God,
Lebanon has entered a ‘war of the maps.’
Let not the battles be fought within.
A strained round of talks continued with Israel. Each side drew their lines out into the sea.
The disputed middle is ever increasing. But both need agreement to extract from the deep.
God, give them good will.
Let law be clear and justice blind.
But regional politics also.
Syria hosted a conference on refugees. Lebanon said it is time they return.
The Western alignment gave it no credence. Must the leadership change before they go home?
God, give them welcome.
Let the stranger be honored, but not overstay.
Good fences—and borders—help make good neighbors. Let the two peoples be so once again.
And in Lebanon, let them remain.
An unclear assault struck an imam in Jbeil. Muslims protested in Tripoli north.
Leaders demanded a joint Christian statement. One called out France and religious insult.
God, give them clarity.
Let peace prevail. Let facts be known.
Let the spirit of unity drive out division. Thwart all who manipulate means to their ends.
For they are not two peoples, God. They are citizens.
And of Syria, they are brothers.
Even of Israel, they are made in your image.
You divided the nations to frustrate our arrogance. Instead we direct it to rivals outside.
And sometimes, within.
A map is a tool. A border is good. We are not the other.
It is not identity. It is not enmity. And the other is not independent of us.
But war is of the devil.
Lebanon has known this demon for too long, accommodating its spirit.
Drive it away definitively, God. In your holy name.
Amen.
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Lebanon Prayer places before God the major events of the previous week, asking his favor for the nation living through them.
It seeks for values common to all, however differently some might apply them. It honors all who strive on her behalf, however suspect some may find them.
It offers no solutions, but desires peace, justice, and reconciliation. It favors no party, but seeks transparency, consensus, and national sovereignty.
How God sorts these out is his business. Consider joining in prayer that God will bless the people and establish his principles, from which all our approximations derive.
Lebanon Prayer places before God the major events of the previous week, asking his favor for the nation living through them.
It seeks for values common to all, however differently some might apply them. It honors all who strive on her behalf, however suspect some may find them.
It offers no solutions, but desires peace, justice, and reconciliation. It favors no party, but seeks transparency, consensus, and national sovereignty.
How God sorts these out is his business. Consider joining in prayer that God will bless the people and establish his principles, from which all our approximations derive.
Sometimes prayer can generate more prayer. While mine is for general principles, you may have very specific hopes for Lebanon. You are welcome to post these here as comments, that others might pray with you as you place your desires before God.
If you wish to share your own prayer, please adhere to the following guidelines:
1) The sincerest prayers are before God alone. Please consult with God before posting anything.
2) If a prayer of hope, strive to express a collective encouragement.
3) If a prayer of lament, strive to express a collective grief.
4) If a prayer of anger, refrain from criticizing specific people, parties, sects, or nations. While it may be appropriate, save these for your prayers alone before God.
5) In every prayer, do your best to include a blessing.
I will do my best to moderate accordingly. Thank you for praying for Lebanon and her people.
Jayson Casper 