Neil MacGregor continues his series on the expression of shared beliefs in communities around the world and across time.

He focuses on prayer, reflecting on how this most highly individualized of activities is also a profoundly communal act, with objects including a 16th century ivory and gold qibla, used to find the direction of Mecca - a function now offered by smartphone apps.

Producer Paul Kobrak

Produced in partnership with the British MuseumPhotograph (c) The Trustees of the British Museum.