jenniferatemple wrote:1. is there a particular form ablutions take for spiritual cleansing?
Although as per
http://bahai9.com/wiki/Ablutions#Abluti ... nd_washing , ablutions are indicated as having significance beyond mere washing, I haven't seen anything addressing their use outside of the
prescribed activities.
There is this quote, but I'm not sure whether it just refers to the activities for which ablutions are prescribed:
QUESTION: If, for another purpose, one hath performed ablutions, and the time of obligatory prayer arriveth, are these ablutions sufficient or must they be renewed?
ANSWER: These same ablutions are sufficient, and there is no need for them to be renewed.
(Baha'u'llah, Kitab-i-Aqdas, Question and Answer, no. 62)
As far as prescriptions for seeking forgiveness, if that is in line with what you are seeking, besides a good number of general prayers, there is this of the 9th "Glad Tidings":
When the sinner findeth himself wholly detached and freed from all save God, he should beg forgiveness and pardon from Him. Confession of sins and transgressions before human beings is not permissible, as it hath never been nor will ever be conducive to divine forgiveness. Moreover such confession before people results in one's humiliation and abasement, and God--exalted be His glory--wisheth not the humiliation of His servants. Verily He is the Compassionate, the Merciful.
The sinner should, between himself and God, implore mercy from the Ocean of mercy, beg forgiveness from the Heaven of generosity and say:[
prayer continued here]
(Tablets of Baha'u'llah, p.24, emphasis added)
If considered relevant, there is
this quote permitting Fasting at other times besides the main Fast (came to mind since you are talking about ablutions at other times).
See
http://bahai9.com/wiki/Ablutions for more quotations collected on the topic of ablutions.