God,
Some rallied for the criminal they called instead a hero.
But better than a label is the sentiment it summons:
Sympathy.
In need of cash, he stormed the bank and claimed his own deposit.
Knowing he would be refused he came prepared with leverage:
Gasoline.
He doused the floor and showed his gun and threatened all surrounding.
With dollars gained he then went home. But honor, conscience led him:
Surrender.
But now the court wants money back. No copycat proceedings.
It’s right, and good, but wrong, and sad. It sums up Lebanon proper:
Desperation.
Another problem yet confronts, though only Beirut suffered.
The internet ran out of fuel. The head, who warned, then threatened:
Resignation.
A civil servant, we are told, forgot to sign a paper.
But new supplies have been obtained. Now May the expiration:
Foreboding.
Still—deals in place with guarantees are now becoming formal.
Jordan. Egypt. Syria. The promise is appealing:
Electricity.
And with the dollars spent to drive the lira appreciating,
A budget pending, cabinet to meet—might we see unexpected:
Recovery?
God, we place all in your hands. Come to the man in mercy.
Keep our data, WhatsApp calls; alternatives are mostly:
Prohibitive.
And will the power come back on? Reforms and bailout happen?
Few of us trust promised gains. Like bright lights, reason glaring:
Corruption.
You God, in all, the opposite. You’re love, you’re strength, forgiving.
Our hope: In you. Not wealth. Not sect. Alone, even friends and family:
Deceiving.
For Lebanon’s problems, enlighten those with influence and position.
But your word gives us answers true. The only expectation:
Obedience.
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 