The quote below is a provisional translation of a question-and-answer interaction between Baha’u’llah and his amanuensis (that is, the man who wrote down the words Baha’u’llah dictated to him). It begins with the amanuensis asking Baha’u’llah about a hypothetical situation where a person, during prayer, changes a pronoun from “him” to “me” in order to personalise the prayer. The amanuensis wants to know whether Baha’u’llah considers such changes to be changing the Word of God, or whether Baha’u’llah is okay with those changes.
Baha’u’llah says that he is okay about believers changing pronouns and that he does not consider them to be changing the Word of God. Moreover, Baha’u’llah goes further and says that the word “Say” in the writings can be omitted. Technically, this passage is a report of a conversation by the amanuensis and not the writings of Baha’u’llah. But I think we can take from it that Baha’u’llah was okay about changing pronouns in personal prayer.
This translation is found on the excellent website “Kashkul”, which is owned by Baha’i translator Will McCants. Thank you to Will for translating this important passage, and relieving all women of the burden of calling themselves men during their devotions.
In some of the revealed prayers and supplications it is written, “and make him.” Is it considered interpolation if one recites, in a passage of entreaty, “and make me,” which is an addition by the speaker? He replies that this does not constitute interpolation and both are permitted. Likewise regarding the blessed words, “Say: O Lord my God!” and “Say: Praise be God!” It is correct to both drop “Say” and to pronounce it: pronouncing it on account of the sacredness of the blessed word, which issues forth from the mouth of the King of Oneness; and dropping it is permissible inasmuch as the appearance servitude and specificity is most evident in that mode.
Baha’u’llah, through his amanuensis Khadim Allah. Excerpted in Amr va Khalq, 4:28, translated by Will McCants, Changing Pronouns and Dropping “Say” in Prayers
(Note, I think Will has missed out the word “of” in the final sentence. I think it should read “appearance of servitude”. That would make sense of the sentence.)