God,
In darkness no one knows the sin. Every criminal can hide.
Lebanon is not there yet.
It is the lowest level of responsibility to say: I cannot do my job.
But it is responsibility still.
Honor them for it, God.
But give the nation men who can.
The army cannot feed its troops.
Police equipment goes to rot.
In two weeks, the lights go out.
The lira falls in market black.
But a color cannot be arrested, God. Darkness cannot be shouted away.
It is creeping ever closer.
Even the hope of some is eroding. The World Bank loan nets them half of its gain.
Fresh dollars delivered will help out the bankers. While oversight monies are slashed in the fray.
At least it is something?
For even the hope of others is poisonous. Burning tires pollute the air.
When roads shut down all are impeded.
Save for those who do not move.
It is hard to move in darkness, God.
But it is not here yet: Why is there no government?
Are they blind already?
Perhaps they cannot sense the region. Which way will the powers pull?
In darkness, the frightened will latch on to anything.
They grab and they squeeze and they clutch what they have.
Meanwhile surroundings are trampled to pieces.
All huddle together, bound by their sect.
The job becomes protection.
Even this has honor, God. We must keep safe our own.
But Muslim and Christian are both pushed to poverty.
The price of bread has risen for all.
The lowest level of responsibility: Can they say that they have failed?
Some call them criminals. Some call it: sin.
But still, all are guilty.
The people love darkness, rather than light.
Is there a glimmer?
The pope said he’s coming.
Some grimace. Some strengthen. Some hope beyond hope.
At least it is something.
It is less than you.
And you are needed. Your light must shine.
Let it come through our blessing of others.
Let it come through embrace of the good.
It profits not to curse the darkness.
Those entangled must be saved.
This is our lowest level of responsibility, God.
For the sake of Lebanon, please do the rest.
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 