Heavenly Wings-Composition for my Son’s 15th birthday!
Turning 15 is a huge milestone on the spiritual journey of life. Baha’u’llah referred to it as the commencement of maturity and in the Baha’i Faith it is the age at which a young person begins to take on for him or herself the daily practices of prayer, fasting, meditation and the study of the Holy Writings. Through these devotional acts one strengthens their connection with the Creator and lays the foundation for a lifetime of service.
My son turns 15 in just a few days and for the last several months I’ve been wondering how to make this milestone special. One of my friends encouraged me to compose a piece in celebration of his 15th birthday which I thought was a brilliant idea. So I decided to dedicate this song to my son and all 15 year old youth out there! It is entitled ‘Heavenly Wings’ and is taken from two prayers for youth.
Recording the vocals for the piece turned out to be quite challenging. I hadn’t expected to be so moved singing the words and had to keep interrupting the recording to take a breath, compose myself and restart the section. (Crying while recording is not recommended as it blocks the nasal passages which then hinders clear pronunciation!) So it took a lot of strength and will power to restrain my tears. 🙂 They were tears of joy but knowing that my son is embarking on a new chapter in his life made me conscious of how time swiftly passes and that he’ll only be with us another 3 years before he flies off to college.
This is for you T. I love you dearly!
Listen to the song here: Heavenly Wings
Watch the video below:
Here are the words to the prayer:
O Thou kind Lord! Graciously bestow a pair of heavenly wings unto each of these fledglings, and give them spiritual power that they may wing their flight through this limitless space and may soar to the heights of the Abha Kingdom.
O Lord! Strengthen these fragile seedlings that each one may become a fruitful tree, verdant and flourishing…
Grant that this youth may attain unto that which is the highest aspiration of the holy ones. Endow him with the wings of Thy strengthening grace-wings of detachment and divine aid-that he may soar thereby into the atmosphere of Thy tender mercy…
~ Abdu’l-Baha
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23 Comments
Hi Elika,
This is lovely!
My youngest just turned 15 as well!
I sent your song to both of my boys.
I hope it inspires them as it did me.
Love,
Karyn
Yeah T! Happy Birthday! Love, Dad
Soooo moving!!! Thanks a lot for sharing and for allowing free downloading!! My daughter declared last week as well and I’m still moved by the implications of that moment in her life, praying God each day to make her firm in His path. This song is going to be a present for her, and for my eldest son who also declared couple of years ago. Thanks againg from the bottom of my heart. God bless you. Big hug
Dear Karyn and Mamen,
Thank you so much for your kind messages. I’m thrilled to hear that you are sharing ‘Heavenly Wings’ with your youth. It makes me so joyous to know that others can benefit from this piece. Knowing that on my son’s birthday I can give a gift to others is a gift for me!
Thanks Elika jan for sharing these precious moments with us. God Bless you and your dear family and Happy Birthday to dear Taraz.
Thank you so much! My oldest son turned 15 this year and I am so proud of him!
Happy 15th Birthday to my first grandson! Thank you Elly love for the beautiful prayer. it also brought tears to my eyes! love you all
Thank you elika.
My boy just turned 10 . This is so beaurifully done as usual your voice takes me on my spiritual flight
Great track and gift for Taraz! No doubt your wishes for him will be fulfilled. Recently heard your solo piano work – a wonderful medidative tool.
Love the new site – definitely cleaner! Looking forward to sharing your song with Jalal.
Beautiful piece!! Your son is so blessed to have such wonderful parents and a talented mom to do this for him. It is a very special gift and motivation not just to him but to other youths turning his age and taking on that new journey in their lives. Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you for sharing. I cried while listening, I can imagine your tears while recording! I love your talent, your voice and especially your spirit!
Dear Elika,
What a truly wonderful inspiration for a gift to celebrate your son’s coming of age. Unlike a material gift, this lovely song will last forever. The happiest of birthdays for your son. And best wishes to a terrific mother.
beautiful i recite this prayer every day for our jr youth program in AZ. this melody will help me memorize it. thank you so much kate
Wonderful melody to this prayer. Love the key change on soar. Always exellent from you.
Can’t believe he’s 15 already! I still remember the first time when I met your family……
Dear Elika,
It is a very beautiful combination, the lyrics and the melody are very moving. What a wonderful gift to your son! Sure he will remember it for ever. It is a pity my children long past their 15th birthday but their junior youth friends can very well enjoy it. Thank you for sharing and many good wishes to your son.
So beautiful and so calming!!!
Thank you all for your kind and loving comments. These past few days have been wonderful witnessing my son take responsibility for his own spiritual development. It is truly awesome to watch. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers.
Our dearest Elika, I am soaring after listening to your beautifully composed “gift” to dear Taraz. As I listened, I saw each my children and grandchildren with heavenly wings and imagined all youth soaring with the wings of His strengthening grace. What a beautiful image. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
Beautiful song, Elika!
Thanks for sharing it with us as a gift 🙂
Kind regards from Belgium!
Guillaume
Thank you Susan and Guillaume for your sweet words of encouragement.
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