Prayer for the Muslims, Part 1

Contrary to what one would think, the Anglican Patrimony has actually produced quite a number of beautiful prayers for the conversion of the Muslims from the heathenish religion of Mohammed. Give the recent events in England, we must all redouble our efforts, prayers, and penances that the glory of Christ, God’s definitive answer to man’s problems, may dawn upon “the peoples that walk in darkness” and “the shadow of death.” The following are some jewels of English composition:

O God, who in thy wonderful providence orderest all things, we humbly beseech thee to snatch that land which thine only begotten Son hath consecrated with his own Blood from the hands of the enemies of the Cross of Christ, and restore it to Christian worship, mercifully directing in the way of everlasting peace the fervent prayers of the faithful to its deliverance, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (Sarum Use)

O merciful God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor wouldest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live: Have mercy upon all Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Hereticks, and take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that they may be saved among the remnant of the true Israelites, and be made one fold under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. (1662 BCP)

Almighty and everlasting God, who desirest not the death of sinners, but rather that they may turn to thee and live: Mercifully receive our prayer, and deliver the heathen from idolatry, and gather them into thy holy Church, to the praise and glory of thy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. (Canadian BCP)

O God, who hast made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on the face of the earth, and didst send thy blessed Son Jesus Christ to preach peace to them that are afar off, and to them that are nigh: Grant that the people who sit in darkness and the shadow of death may feel after thee and find thee; and hasten, O Lord, the fulfilment of thy promise, to pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Scottish BCP)

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who in thy goodness hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine in our land; Extend thy mercy, we beseech thee, to the nations of the world that still walk in darkness. Enlighten the Moslems with the knowledge of thy truth; and grant that the Gospel of salvation may be known in all lands, that the heart of the peoples may be turned unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Scottish BCP)