The Prayers of

Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid `Inayat Khan

 
 

Invocation


Toward the One
the Perfection of
Love, Harmony and Beauty,
the Only Being,
United with all the illuminated Souls,
who form the Embodiment of the Master,
the Spirit of Guidance.

Amen.





Because of the modern awareness of, and sensitivity to, wording which is, or might be perceived as, gender specific (typically masculine) there is an alternative version of this prayer which may be used.  In it the words "the Master" have been deleted.
 

Invocation


Toward the One
the Perfection of
Love, Harmony and Beauty,
the Only Being,
United with all the illuminated Souls,
who form the Embodiment of
the Spirit of Guidance.

Amen.






Another variation of this prayer is the use of "Towards..." rather than "Toward..."  Either usage is acceptable.

This Invocation is recited from memory ("by Heart") by those who are familiar with it as part of the beginning of meetings for the Dances of Universal Peace.  It is typically repeated three times with those who are not familiar with it joining in as best they are able.

The words of the Invocation have also been the inspiration for several Dances, three of which can be found in the published Dance booklets:  on page 5 of Dances of Universal Peace II, page 30 of Dancing Peak to Peak, and page 3 of Europe III.  In the first two Dances noted, the Dance includes the word "Master" from the original version of the prayer.  Perhaps the word "Spirit" could be substituted for "Master" so the words for the last part of Dance would become "...who form the Embodiment of the Spirit, the Spirit of Guidance."  With this change, the melody and rhythm of the Dance would remain the same, and the meaning of the prayer would not be significantly affected.  The Dance in Europe III changes the wording of the prayer somewhat, and the word "Master" is not included.

This Invocation is recited, often three times, at the beginning any Sufi Order event, such as classes, workshops, seminars and retreats.  It is also typically recited once again whenever the group rejoins after a longer break, such as for lunch..  Mureeds (Initiates) of the Sufi Order also recite the Invocation as part of their personal practices.