God,
What do you pray for when nothing is happening?
When all that is happening is getting worse.
The nation is suffering while locked down entire.
The hospital cots trade the dead for the sick.
But with everything shuttered the other pain rises.
If no one can work, then fewer can eat.
In the north and the south some are driven to protest.
The lockdown extended, with no hope in sight.
Meanwhile the nurses are brought to exhaustion.
When doctors fall ill, demands surge for the rest.
God, there is no rest.
But yet, there is boredom.
Perhaps rather—paralysis.
What is there to do, if naught can be done?
The caretaker prime minister made his best effort.
He went to the head of each ruling sect.
He sought to encourage the forming of government.
Dismissed as “utopian,” no breakthrough was made.
Might outsider stimuli shake up the system?
A new US president takes up the helm.
And a Switzerland inquiry hits central bank leadership,
While Syrian linkage is probed at the port.
At least before long the vaccines will be coming.
The World Bank funding will help with supply.
God, please ensure equitable distribution.
Many voice fears nepotism will reign.
So in the pause, God, let Lebanon pray.
Against the spirit of corruption. Against the spirit of defeat.
For renewal of the nation. For renewal of the heart.
Breathe into Lebanon hope, love, and mercy.
Blow winds of justice, divide wheat from chaff.
Give an awareness that all are united.
COVID is killing regardless of sect.
Both Christian and Muslim are locked in their houses.
The church and the mosque—and the bar—all are closed.
Soon things will open.
Life must go on.
Help Lebanon find the life that is truly life.
Eternal, good, and giving.
Redemptive, and of you.
Amen.
To receive Lebanon Prayer by WhatsApp, please click this link to join the closed comments group.
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 