Category: Prayers

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Return to Roots

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God,

Egypt strives to be a good neighbor. She was once also a good host. What future does she desire?

What do you?

Over the past many months Egypt has cultivated its relationship with the Mediterranean nations of Greece and Cyprus. The have a sea to share, natural gas to protect, and economies to integrate.

They have similar vision for their region.

But this week they recalled their past. Egypt invited the two presidents to ‘Nostos,’ which in Greek means ‘return to roots.’ Thousands of Greeks and Cypriots used to live in Egypt, Alexandria in particular.

There are far fewer today. ‘Egypt for the Egyptians’ discouraged their welcome; over time, so did declining economy.

But Nostos celebrated their heritage, and invited their families back for a visit.

Their churches still function. The monastery at Mt. Sinai is theirs. Egypt is still much Mediterranean.

It is a beautiful neighborly gesture. But is it an openness for return?

God, bless Egypt in her hospitality. She is still a good host. African and Syrian refugees in the thousands call her home – at least temporarily. They live, work, and are part of society.

Guide her also in wisdom. Egypt is for the Egyptians. But Greeks and Cypriots – and Italians, and Armenians, and Turks – were also Egyptian. Many still are.

God, if you prosper Egypt, perhaps more will seek her. Wealth often extends welcome.

But the reverse is also often true. Welcome brings material reward.

God, what of the spiritual? Does multiculturalism dilute authenticity? Does a mix of religions tepid them all? Does culture thrive? Do values change?

Alexandria is now known as a city conservative in its Islam. Yet Christians have their historic see.

May all believers be faithful. May all neighbors be kind. May all nations be friendly.

You determine the exact times and places for all peoples to live.

Honor Egypt for celebrating her past. Direct Egypt in treading her present. Bless Egypt in shaping her future.

Many do well in returning to roots. But from where there is strength, spread wide the branches. Allow the birds of the air to rest in their shade.

Uproot the evil, God. Root deep the good.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Internet, Puddles

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God,

It is hard to fix everything at once. Help Egypt prioritize well.

To boost the struggling economy, the government emphasized the importance of e-commerce.

Steps will be taken to promote the sector. A local company is poised to pioneer an Uber-like regional bus service. And Google offers free digital training in Arabic.

It is a wise move, God. But so few in Egypt are connected, and internet quality lags far behind world standards.

But honor the effort and multiply the gain. Spread it through society. Internet, and all.

Technology can rapidly transform an economy. It can also rapidly transmit vice. Give wisdom.

But if technology starts with the few, the rain is no respecter of persons.

It comes so infrequently sewers are left long-ignored. There is much else to do.

Yet after two days of downfall, the streets are aflood.

The government has by now cleared most. The president has pledged preventative action. Every few years, the problem repeats.

But even so, Egypt needs rain.

God, let it be your blessing. Pour out your mercy, soak deep your love.

Let not the promise of novelty distract firm foundations. From underneath, drain well the filth.

Cleanse Egypt, God, and fix right her flaws. Make repentance priority, that all may be well.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Education Reform

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God,

Egyptians have long lamented the state of their schools.

Often overcrowded with teachers poorly trained. Private lessons necessary for tests perhaps manipulated. Rote memorization required in subjects not fitting the needs of the nation.

The list is long. The school year is short.

But with the help of the World Bank and a minister formerly responsible for the American University in Cairo, Egypt will soon embark on an extensive reform.

Bless the intentions, God. Guide the outcomes.

More schools will be built. Teacher conditions will be improved. Curriculum will be revised. Tests will begin at an earlier age. Grading will be revamped. Comprehension will be emphasized.

Results will still determine the university future, so perhaps an educational reality will remain. 30 percent of high school students suffer depression; 20 percent contemplate suicide.

God, give the students a deeper understanding of their worth. Give them the motivation to succeed, and the means to do so.

The means require millions. The World Bank will provide some. Help Egypt find the rest.

Many say Egypt requires generational change. Let this be the one, raised properly at home and school. And, properly to fear you.

May such fear prompt duty, creativity, industriousness, and love.

But no more lamenting, God. May school success come.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Russia, Air and Chemical

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God,

For the first time in two years, Aeroflot returned to Cairo. Russia had suspended all air travel following a terrorist attack on a tourist carrier, and security precautions still prevent direct flights to the popular Red Sea resorts.

Let it not happen again, God.

But as Russian-Egyptian relations return to normal, give discernment in current affairs.

How should the government consider accusations of poison in the UK, and gas in Syria?

Let the truth be known, God, if only to the privy of world leaders. Let Egypt’s president act accordingly.

But give knowledge also to the world community.

Allow heads-of-state the discretion to maneuver. But disclose secret deeds done in darkness. Give no cover to illness in conduct.

None can stand on your holy hill, God. But the heart of a man may yet be made pure. May such men lead their nations well.

Help Egypt stand with many. As necessary, help Egypt stand alone.

Strong. In peace.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Re-Election

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God,

The election is over, and there were no surprises. President Sisi won re-election with 90 percent of the votes cast. His opponent – 3%. Spoiled ballots – 7%. Overall turnout – 41%.

It is a respectable show of support. Critics say the best candidates were discouraged or prevented from running. They say the government mobilized to get out the vote. They say the media was either complicit, or bullied.

Decide between them, God. But bless the Egyptian people in their choice.

And now, and continue, bless the Egyptian head-of-state.

Give him wisdom to handle the ongoing challenges. Economy. Water. Reform. Terror.

Give him wisdom to handle the coming choices. Constitution. Legacy. Politics. Friends.

Lead him, God. May he seek your leading.

And with him, Egypt entire. Let these be four years of peace, stability, prosperity, and justice.

May all surprises be welcome. May all turn out to the good.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: How Many and Why

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God,

In the coming days Egypt will vote. The question is not who, but how many.

The incumbent is expected to win in a landslide. Even his opponent supports him.

But with so little at stake, so much is at stake, God: Legitimacy, at home and abroad.

No doubt the president is still popular. In the eyes of many he saved a nation.

No doubt the economy is taking its toll. In the eyes of many his policies impoverish.

Egyptians can endure, God, and strengthen them in it. They can also vote, as they have demonstrated repeatedly.

Increase their agency. May they use their voice wisely.

So this week upcoming, God, take the pulse of the nation.

Are Egyptians enthused and eager to show it? Drive high the turnout.

Are Egyptians content and at peace with affairs? Let continue the mandate.

Are Egyptians accepting but with disappointment? Interpret well their absence.

Are Egyptians opposing but without like choice? Make positive their anger.

God, Egypt is at a critical moment. Elections communicate the will of the people.

May they speak, may they be heard, and may they be respected—at home and abroad.

Give Egypt four good years through the man of your choice.

You know the who and the many. Make clear the how. Bless fully the why.

Lead Egypt to peace and prosperity.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Citizens, Foreign

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God,

The citizen abroad is vulnerable. A foreign culture is hard to navigate with ways and threats uncertain.

The citizen at home is vulnerable. A foreign media is hard to navigate with news and biases uncertain.

So God, give discernment.

A number of recent cases emerged where Egyptians have been assaulted in other countries. One, a female teenage student, just died from injuries suffered in London.

Authorities are following up the incidents, by urging joint measures to monitor the legal process.

A number of recent articles emerged where Egyptians are accused of violations in their country. One, a British outlet, saw an alleged female torture subject deny their reporting about her.

Authorities are following up on the incidents, by urging citizen awareness to prompt a legal process.

God, give Egypt wisdom with the outside world.

A foreign culture sparks creative innovation. A foreign media offers alternate perspective. Both are healthy. Both are dangerous.

So help Egypt pursue justice for its citizens abroad. May they live in peace and mutual positive crosspollination.

And help Egypt promote truth for its citizens at home. May they live in peace with multiple accurate source-publication.

God, the world is uncertain; humanity, vulnerable.

Home or abroad, navigate the Egyptian. But may home, especially, be blessed.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Crown Prince Visit

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God,

It was a high-profile visit, with high-profile rhetoric. The Saudi crown prince took his first foreign policy travels, spending several days in Egypt.

He spoke of economy. The joint megacity is a future boon.

He spoke of terrorism. Turkey and Qatar need isolation.

He spoke of religion. Copts are beloved and Azhar restored.

He spoke of culture. The opera was visited and is coming to Saudi.

God, these are words to consider. They are words many question. Guide Saudi Arabia between rhetoric and reality. Transform the kingdom to mirror your will.

But God, in this relationship, bless also Egypt.

May the projects respect sovereignty and prosper the nation.

May terrorism subside, no matter its source.

May the religious respect others and hearten the nation.

May culture inspire, no matter its form.

God, give peace between nations, both near and far. Raise the profile of Egypt; may her morals be high.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Energy Hub

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God,

It has long been an ambition. Now it is becoming reality. But strange the one who makes it happen.

Egypt is an energy hub.

Not long ago she sold off share at cut rate prices. Not long after that she was begging fuel from international partners.

Then an enormous natural gas field was discovered, giving promise of self-sufficiency.

Came the bombshell: Importing more.

Came the explanation: To liquify, and then export.

Came the confusion: Israel.

As some gasped at the deal the government nodded. Private sector, but an awaited development.

Given infrastructure and a large consumer market, Egypt positioned herself to profit from regional exploration and extraction.

Israel is the first client, having discovered large fields shortly before. Others may emerge.

God, may they find a good partner.

Help shared economics promote common peace. Egypt has strengthened ties with Greece and Cyprus; now even Israel is drawn closer.

Keep contested economics from sparking further tensions. Turkey eyes developments warily; Sudan and Ethiopia jostle over Nile water.

God, there are details to confirm and obstacles to overcome.

But bless Egypt in the management of her resources. May she build a foundation, and distribute well.

Let not her ambition trump her reality. She is still a long way from prosperity.

But God, let it happen. Allow Egypt to rise.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Documents, Deals

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God,

The intrigue peaked as candidates emerged. It tempered as they fell.

But it continues still.

The running mate of a now detained general threatened release of secret documents that would embarrass the army.

The general disputed, as his partner joined in confinement.

And then a third, unrelated.

A former popular presidential candidate, not running now, boldly bashed the whole enterprise.

He is now in custody, accused of making deals with the Muslim Brotherhood, to which he once belonged.

God, reveal. Let Egypt have no secrets.

Where she has enemies, bring them to light. Where she has sinned, bring her to repentance.

Keep her accountable, and keep her safe.

In the days that followed several parties responded by pledging to bring out the vote. They asked for greater openness in the political system, but condemned destabilizing calls for boycott.

Bring the right balance, God, and bless those on both sides.

May it be that all seek Egypt’s best in sincerity, and find a way forward together.

But let the people deliver their message, and let it be heard and interpreted well.

Let it lead to transparent governance. Let it lead to prosperity and peace.

Let the documents be open. Let the deals be social contract.

Let the intrigue pass, and public policy prevail.

For the good of Egypt, God. Temper it not, nor let it fall.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Operation Sinai

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God,

There are three weeks left. Following a terrorist attack that killed 300 worshipers at a mosque in Sinai, the president gave a three-month ultimatum to the military and police to eliminate terrorism.

Today, Operation Sinai was launched. By land, air, and sea, in the desert and the Nile valley, a massive deployment seeks to fulfill the president’s call.

Parliament, al-Azhar, and the Orthodox church have all signaled their support. Perhaps the next few days will be telling.

But proof comes in the next few weeks. Terrorism hides easily. And surely many wish to disrupt the coming presidential elections.

God, protect.

Guide security to hideouts and depots.

Shield civilians from wayward fire.

Redeem terrorists from the judgment of Hell.

In the days to come, God, death counts will rise. Comfort the families, strengthen the nation.

Let the operation be decisive. Purge Egypt from the scourge that has plagued her.

May she seek peace, and pursue it.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Candidates Set

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God,

After much drama, the result may be straightforward. The presidential election will pit the incumbent against the head of one of Egypt’s smaller parties.

The candidate, who registered at the last minute, is also on record as one of the incumbent’s strongest supporters.

Some say he is there for show. He says he is there to win, but also in support of Egypt’s democratic development.

Without him, the election would be referendum.

So God, develop.

May these elections spur conversation on government policy.

May they spur growth of all allied parties.

May they give options to forces inclined toward a boycott.

May they give voice to the people in endorsement or change.

Some say the result has been predetermined. With you, God, it has, and make clear the path.

Allow these elections to move Egypt straightforward. Dramatic or not, guide her to peace.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Settling the Field

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God,

It is the highest post in the land, and therefore the most critical.

Fill it with the man of your choosing, but give the people a valid choice.

One once-popular candidate revised his desire to run.

One once-powerful general fudged his ability to run.

One once-marginal activist decried the procedures to run.

One still-notable politician tests the waters to run.

One still-controversial professor might be the first female to run.

One still-flamboyant chairman lingers, perhaps the only to run.

God, bring forward the right and true. Shield Egypt from ill agenda and lawless ambition. Give her candidates of judicious mind and servant heart.

And of them, of all them, give wisdom to the people.

Four years is a long time, God, and these four years are critical.

Settle the field, and settle the nation.

In her candidates, and of the one, lead her free to fields of peace.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Nation, City, River

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God,

To present an idea, men come together. To discuss, they meet. Three conferences this week convened weighty issues.

Human contact helps relations. Human hubris may drive apart. But the ideas matter, and make a difference.

President Sisi presented the accomplishments of his four years in office. From national projects to economic reform, it may be the prelude to his reelection campaign.

God, give eyes to the people to see Egypt rightly. Where there is success, to celebrate. Where there is question, to examine. And whether or not he runs again, to vote.

The Azhar rallied for the sanctity of Jerusalem after US disruption of the status quo. Muslim and Christian, Palestinian and Arab, it aims to increase pressure from the international community.

God, give eyes to the world to see Israel rightly. Where there is negotiation, to encourage. Where there is posturing, to expose. And whether or not an embassy moves, to seek justice.

The Nile River commanded the attention of Egypt and Ethiopia. The two presidents met to revive deliberation on a steadily constructing dam.

God, give eyes to the nations to see water rightly. Where there is complication, to study. Where there is stalling, to speed. And whether or not consensus emerges, to drink.

Let the ideas settle. Let the conviction impact. Let the people reflect.

And in the end, God, reveal the right path forward. Let men meet and talk, but first pray. Be not absent, in any conference.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Slow Boil

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God,

The waters of Egypt are simmering. Lower the temperature.

The Nile is her lifeblood, and a dam in Ethiopia may impact historic share. But also threatened Sudan leans instead to Turkey, a Brotherhood-aligned adversary.

The Israelis are her neighbor, and a president in America complicates the status quo. But the New York Times published leaks that suggest a betrayal of Palestine.

The presidency is her backbone, and elections in March invite political review. But back-and-forth developments lend intrigue to potential candidacies.

God, give Egypt wisdom to navigate these challenges.

Provide water to all, and harness the river in widespread development. Keep the Red Sea from further militarization.

Provide transparency to all, and establish justice in fair negotiation. Keep the media from biased disinformation.

Provide agency to all, and validate a leader in contested consensus. Keep the politics from crass characterization.

God, give Egypt peace to impart in these challenges.

Christmas came, with a new cathedral named after the birth of such a prince.

May this spirit hover over the waters. Calm them, God. Peace, be still.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Crimes and Executions

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God,

When police do their job there is usually nothing remarkable to report. Society is protected, the blotter is filled.

Many thanks to you and them for Egypt’s low crime rate and day-to-day safety.

But recently three female singers have faced legal action over videos and public statements.

Seventy-five people and officials have been arrested for participation in a human trafficking ring.

And nineteen have been executed over terrorist violence.

These are not ordinary events, God, and the reporting reflects it.

The videos are said to promote debauchery. The ring was investigated for fourteen months. And the executions came after military court rulings.

There is little controversial over the human trafficking, except the exposure of official corruption. Weed it out, God, with full transparency.

But of the singers, some wish to protect the rights of speech, others the sensibility of society. Balance them, God, with no hypocrisy.

And of the executions, some criticize the trials as flawed while others praise the probity of the military. Exact justice, God, with all gravity.

Christmas is coming, with threats well known and procedures well studied. May the holiday pass with nothing remarkable.

Protect society, God, but leave blank the blotter. Help police stay alert. Help Egypt be righteous.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Churches

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God,

A small group of terrorists killed worshippers at a church in southern Cairo.

A large mob of neighbors vandalized a different church further south.

A sizeable allotment of police and military guarded churches throughout the country.

A fair portion of churches remain closed for security reasons.

A tiny percentage of services suffered disruption to normal worship.

But God, any number is too high.

And any spirit that targets faith is too evil.

It is present in Egypt, God, as it is present elsewhere. It is hard to defeat.

Protect those who protect the nation. In today’s attack one died, as they killed one assailant and captured another.

But give wisdom also to those who govern. Exorcise this spirit at its source, to purge it completely.

And of those infected, heal them in your mercy.

Of the recalcitrant, marginalize. Of the ideologues, expose. Of the manipulators, arrest.

Strengthen the nation to resist, God. Give her courage to confront.

A little leaven leavens the whole bunch. May Egypt rise.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: National Health

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God,

Egypt has long been sick. Nurse her to health, and strengthen her immune system.

Some vital organs show signs of life. Others lag behind.

Parliament passed an anticipated national health insurance law. Vigorously debated, a point of contention was on the cost to the state versus the cost to the citizen.

Perhaps it was settled well, but it will still take time. Only one governorate will be covered first; the nation not for several years.

God, may it be better than what was. Strengthen the quality of care in all facilities. Extend coverage to as many as possible. Balance the finances, and neglect not the poor.

Mindful of them, Egypt is also trying to buttress her industry. Underdeveloped Asyut houses the factory for the first locally-made smartphone, but the launch was delayed when the batteries were stolen.

Criminals have been caught, and the phone will soon ship. But too much illness is self-inflicted.

God, reopen factories. Employ the youth. Inspire entrepreneurs. Streamline efficiency. But curb corruption and criminality, wherever it is found.

Mindful of this, a ripe new field has begun production. Natural gas discovered in Zohr is extracted by Italians, but promised for domestic gain. Export is restricted, and imports will soon be unnecessary.

It is a panacea for Egypt’s energy.

God, let the circulation be smooth as it pulses through her veins. May she steward well.

But you are the healer, you are the cure. Breathe new life into Egypt, to nurse others in turn.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Candidates Pending

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God,

Presidential elections will take place in Egypt sometime this coming spring. The incumbent is expected to run for a second term.

But as of now no opposition is certain. There is time, and there are those who are interested.

A former prime minister and presidential runner-up is meeting with his party to determine best course of action. He declared his intention abroad, maintained he was prevented from leaving, then got deported, and is now back home.

Another candidate, an army officer, declared his attention and was then detained. He broke regulations and engaged politically while still commissioned and wearing his uniform.

A third, a leftist human rights lawyer who also ran previously, declared his intention early and often. But a court case is pending that might bar his candidacy. Only those with clean record may seek office.

God, sift them to let your choices remain. Sift Egypt, to bring your choices forward.

Many or few, make her president known. For the good of Egypt, for the good of the world.

Some say the good will come via strong competition, cementing democratic gains achieved in the constitution.

Others fear a strong contest will shake Egypt’s stability, and a change in course will threaten the economy.

God, you know.

Guide Egypt through this crucial coming period. Teach her the ways you want her to walk. Honor her people in all of their choices. Give her good leaders who rightly fear you.

For peace. For freedom. For sovereignty. For flourishing.

In truth, for all, these are always pending, awaiting your ultimate fulfillment. Give Egypt vigilance and wisdom, God, to secure the present as best she can.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Jerusalem Recognition

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God,

Friends don’t always agree. But not all issues are the same. Jerusalem is, and has often been, historically different.

Changing longstanding US policy, the American president recognized the city as Israel’s capital, and began the process of moving the embassy.

The Egyptian president warned against it, and then spoke against it. Most of the world sides with him.

Parliament is now debating sanctions against America. The Azhar and the Coptic Orthodox Church will not meet with the vice-president during his upcoming visit.

Sporadic protests have broken out. Pressure may – or may not – be mounting.

God, the three religions of Egypt consider Jerusalem important to you. Consequently, it is to them. So it is to many in America.

But though they read you differently, do they read you correctly?

Guide all in proper conviction toward land, promise, people, and politics. Give consensus.

But God, in this your will has long been unrealized. Decades. Centuries. Millenia.

For those with conviction, no matter how proper, give them patience with the others. Give them fair arguments. Give them fairer attitudes.

And until realization comes, give love.

Help them to talk. Help them to pray. Help them to see themselves. Help them to see your principles.

Grant justice. Grant peace.

Where there is sincerity, spare the cynicism. Where there is callousness, call it out. May all speak from the heart.

May they stay friends. May they become friends. May they repent. May they be different.

God, this change is historical. Make it more so. Perhaps you are the only one who knows how.

Amen.