God,
More than three years later, there is an almost-law.
Cabinet to parliament, likely to approve?
The IMF is visiting, they need to see it real.
But is there full agreement on the bailout to come?
Election cries uniting: Depositors protect.
Confront corrupt officials, root out in every sect.
But which ones? Few will specify.
Vote here: Our resolved list.
A law is surely needed, with money trapped in banks,
Exchange rate fluctuations, and the lira in collapse.
The answer: A committee, with power to decide.
Composed of adept figures chosen later. But by whom?
God, is this a solution? The first step in a plan?
Or simple obfuscation and delay until no end?
Or worse—is that the plan?
And of some, or of all?
Are they united, though separate in list?
Some say.
Three years ago, the people, in thousands, with their feet,
Descended on the central squares with a resounding ‘yes’.
Those days have passed: Corona. Depression. Winter rain.
All of these conspired and deflated common cause.
There are lists independent. A vote to throw away?
Or embers of intensity that could—and must—revive?
God, you know.
Sift wheat from chaff.
Give light to eyes.
Discernment, come.
Give people back their money. But so much more beside.
Free them from enslavement to consumeristic trends.
The lust of eyes, seductive. The pride of life, a snare.
Blessed are the poor trumps all, when poor is all we have.
Blessed are the poor, in spirit: Help this to remain.
Let sect embody service. Politics—ideas.
God, bless all of Lebanon.
Free it for your cause.
Make of her a beacon.
A message. Beauty. Love.
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 