God,
Some say they are a den of thieves. Some say that they are rivals.
Side by side for years on end. At odds, cooperating.
They carry burdens of their sect. Principles, and interests.
They hold together Lebanon. They keep it from uniting.
For now is snubbed the president. Last year the prime minister.
Soon the speaker gets his turn. Once, anon, militia.
But God, within them, is there truth? Are some striving rightly?
Are they foiled, time again? Or take turns as the victim?
Your image rests within them all. But sin, alongside, struggles.
Bless their fellowship. Enrich. And bind them to the nation.
Or break it, God. Where lies deceit, replace the ill with honest.
Will youth exceed the gains of age? Or double-down corruption?
But yes or no, continues on the world and downward spiral.
The government will still not meet. Paralysis, inertia.
From schemes abroad, or schemes at home, the ordinary suffer.
Do they protect themselves or sect? Honor, virtue, homeland?
God, our prayers are for their good. But hope is misdirected.
Our trust can only be in you. All others simply steward.
So make them faithful, God. Proficient. Governance is service.
But make us servants of your will. Your kingdom—here—yet spiritual.
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 