Summary of '1000 World Prayers' By Marcus Braybrooke 

A rich inheritance of prayers from the religions of the world, thanks to the work of many scholars and translators, is now available in English and other modern languages. These prayers, of which this anthology is but a sample, provide us with a basis for the spiritual unity of a world that modern communications have made one.

This anthology, I hope will enrich the path of all who seek a deeper understanding of the Mystery of life. Those who are committed to one way may gain in appreciation of those who follow a different path, whilst spiritual seekers will become aware of the vast throng of fellow pilgrims.

It is significant how many people of.prayer have also been active in the struggle for peace and justice and in service of those in need. Indeed, as the notes on contributors show, a large number have paid the price of imprisonment or even death for the causes to which they have dedicated their lives. This is not surprising. Prayer brings us into the presence of the Divine and as we begin to see the world as God sees it, we become more aware of the injustice and suffering which afflicts so many people. The pattern of the book reminds us that a turning to God should result in a renewed turning to the world in compassion and service. Only as people come together in the presence of the Divine and sense their spiritual oneness will we discover the resources to redeem qlobalisationfrorn the strife and economic injustices which seem to be its entail.

I hope the book will enrich the lives of many individuals and also be useful to those who lead congregational prayer. The spiritual unity, of which I speak, is not some bland homogenised religiosity, but one in which the diversity of traditions enriches the whole. This is whythere are a variety of styles and I have tried to honour the manner of writing of those whose prayers are included. My spell-check does not recognise 'Thee' or 'Thou', but to change all the prayers into modern English would lose the beauty of prayers which some people know by heart. In the same way, many prayers from the past are not gender inclusive, but I have hesitated to change what may have become sacred texts. Equally some of the prayers make reference to special names for God or holy persons. It seems right to preserve this particularity, although the sentiment expressed may have a more universal resonance.

I am very grateful to the many authors and publishers whohave allowed me to use copyright material. I am also very grateful to John Hunt and his colleagues and once again to Mary for her support and patience.

The last year in which I have spent much time in choosing and typing prayers has been very enriching. It has helped me see how prayer should be part of every aspect of life. I now look forward to some leisure in which I can pray these prayers.

Marcus Braybrooke.

About The Author of '1000 World Prayers'

Marcus Braybrooke is a vicar in Oxfordshire, and a key figure in world inter-religious affairs. He is President of the World Congress of Faiths. Patron of the International Interfaith Centre, Co-Founder of the Three Faiths Forum and an International Peace Councillor. He is also the author of a number of best-selling inter-faith books and inspirational works, including The Bridge of Stars, What we Can Learn from Islam and Learn to Pray.