God,
Cabinet will soon be back—with everyone embarrassed?
Since October it has stalled, to shelve the justice leading
Investigations in the blast. They failed (for now) removal,
And yield instead to IMF, exchange rate, and the suffering.
The budget now can be discussed, prime minister the victor.
But lingers still is his “two days” that promised soon resumption.
And president, too, played a role in pressuring the duo.
But national dialogue fell flat—his plea was seen irrelevant.
How does the union rate their strike? City shutdown helpful?
Annoyance won, or sympathy? No revolution followed.
The foreign powers maneuver still. America dropped its sanctions
To win the flow of Egypt’s gas. Good, but Syrian backtrack?
And UAE joins Al Saoud in promised French initiative—
That since its start has been ignored despite extensive effort.
God, what to do when plans dissolve? When reputation tarnished?
A king disgraced can rally still, or humbly seek redemption.
Some of old turned from the Lord. Some saw—in him—revival.
But none have fallen yet so far, though Lebanon is collapsing.
So many people wish them ill, but many still beholden.
Yet they continue, carry on. Their sect, their interest, nation.
It is a sacrifice to stay within the spotlight. Surely
There is a principle each seeks—with politics conflicting.
God remove the obstacles, and them, if they the problem.
God empower them otherwise, and lead them to solution.
Cabinet again will meet, and now can take decisions.
Give wisdom, God. The room for wrong has also now expanded.
Let godly shame descend upon all parties which deserve it.
Embarrassment can drive us to your arms in seeking cover.
Wipe our tears, God. Lift our head. Remind us of your image.
Tarnished, yes, but you restore. Trade ashes for our blessing.
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.
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 