Friday night prayer sessions reinforce pattern of reflection and community life

WYNDHAM, VIC – When Raksha and Abraham Reyes first moved to Riverwalk, a suburb in Wyndham Victoria, there were only two Baha’i children living in the area.

 Over the past 15 years, however, many more families have moved into the community. Alongside this growth has been the development of the Baha’i community-building efforts and children’s classes are now held on a regular basis, embracing families and children from all backgrounds and beliefs.

These families come together regularly to explore how they can further contribute to the transformation of their neighbourhood. They reflect on their community-building efforts, plan their next steps, and enjoy one another’s company – bushwalking, cooking, and sharing meals together.

Inspired by this spirit, Raksha, Abe, and their three sons – now aged five, eight, and 10 – felt moved to initiate something in their own home. After consulting with friends, they identified the need for a positive space for their boys that would reinforce values of prayerfulness, reflection and unity. And so began the weekly children’s space for prayer and meditation on Friday nights.

Four months on, and this space is regularly attended by up to eight boys. 

The evening begins with games followed by a chance for the kids to run around, laugh, and “get the sillies out” before settling into a more reflective space. Then comes the check-in: a light-up toy is placed in the middle of the circle, and each child takes a turn holding it while sharing details about their week and how they’re feeling. “They are brutally honest in a beautiful way. They know this is a safe space,” says Raksha. 

A prayer box is then passed around, and every child chooses a prayer to share. Together they memorise a prayer, and the meditation portion closes with a unity song. 

The evening ends with pizza – made and eaten together at the Reyes’s home – and is followed by popcorn and a movie if time permits. The parents have remarked how this space has become a lovely way to close the week and welcome the weekend. “The boys love it,” one parent says.

More than a space to pray, these Friday night sessions have become an expression of what the community is striving to build – genuine friendship, mutual care, and a pattern of life where families look after one another’s children and neighbours become friends. “I love this community! It is so loving, vibrant and supportive,” Raksha says.