Friday Prayers for Egypt: Law, Left and Letter

God,

The law carries many meanings, but among them is license. Neither state nor citizen may act as they wish; the law – in principle – standardizes behavior.

In Egypt, two laws in particular are illustrative. God, may the proper lessons be both learned and applied.

Several weeks ago the parliament passed a controversial draft law regulating civil society. It was panned even by the government, but sent to the president to sign or return for further discussion. Yet with no comment at all and the mandated period elapsed, many wonder where is the law? Is the president stalling? Was it given to him at all?

God, the law itself is worthy of prayer, and the effect it will have on civil society. You know the importance of the sector; you know the dangers of manipulation.

Whether or not the current draft is optimal, guide Egypt to the balance necessary.

But guide Egypt also to a law. Help her institutions to function properly, and transparently. May the mechanisms of government mesh with the will of the people and the wisdom of experience, from home and abroad.

The struggle therein is good and healthy, God. At least it can be so. Bless Egypt with a winsome fight.

Meanwhile the protest law is contested to the letter. Recently ruled upon by the Supreme Court, protest is allowed with proper notification, not permission.

A group opposed to ceding two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia followed proper procedure, and then did the state. A judicial ruling denied access to the preferred location. The legal and political struggle continues.

God, the issue itself is worthy of prayer, and the effect it will have on both map and relations. You know the owner of the land; you know the stakes involved.

Whether or not this protest is worthy, guide Egypt to the balance necessary.

But guide Egypt also to an understanding. Help her to promote the rights of expression, and to regulate them properly. May the freedom of the individual mesh with the duties of society and the wisdom of experience, from home and abroad.

The balance therein is fundamental and foundational, God. At least it should be so. Bless Egypt with a worthy consensus.

There is a constitution, God. There are laws. There are laws emerging. There is reform. Set Egypt’s path straight in all navigation.

And in her behavior, regulate and license in the light of your word. May it, to all, be illustrative.

Amen.