Category: Prayers

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Utmost Force

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God,

After over 300 people were killed at a mosque, the state must do something. The president issued a directive to the army and police: utmost force, within three months.

Terrorism must be eradicated from the Sinai.

And may it be so. God, but with the utmost care.

There are civilian lives at stake, unmercifully meddled as militants mix in.

There are terrorist lives at stake, still creatures of a compassionate God.

There is the reputation of the state, widely accused of haphazard strategy.

There is the regard of the state, required to be strong in response to insult.

And that is what it was, God. An insult to humanity, to religion, to Egypt, to you.

They showed in their actions the utmost contempt. They deserve nothing more than the utmost chastisement.

In truth, they deserve death. They deserve hell. Equip the military and police to bring them right to its gates.

And once there, overcome.

Overcome conflict in the Sinai with prosperous development. Overcome hatred in the heart with sincere repentance.

Overcome evil with good.

God, utmost force is necessary in the face of wanton violence. But let strong resolve not extinguish compassion. Let broad mandate not diminish precision. Spare the innocent; rescue the region.

Avenge. Restore. Have mercy.

Three months, God. Let it be less.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Fish, Rice, Water, Vice

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God,

Small developments can multiply. Small disagreements can explode. For those involved there is no small. For the nation, wait and see.

The region’s largest fish farm opened in one of the nation’s poorest districts.

The pollution from burning post-harvest rice straw witnessed significant reduction.

The negotiations with Ethiopia over Nile dam construction reached an impasse.

The police brought charges against several creatives threatening social norms.

God, some developments are undoubtedly positive. May the economy strengthen through good food and good jobs. May the environment purify through proper waste management.

But other disagreements are harder to measure.

May two nations find consensus. May society find the same.

You have given Egypt resources, God. Natural and human. May she steward well.

If care is not taken, Ethiopia could bring Egypt to ruin. If morality is not heeded with mercy, Egypt may fall libertine or legalistic.

Spare her these trials. Bless her where she has proved faithful.

With you there is no small. May Egypt wait, but see you multiply.

Amen.

UPDATE: After publishing this post, 155+ people were killed in a combination bomb and gunfire attack at a mosque in Northern Sinai. God have mercy, and may they rest in peace.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Princes, Churches

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God,

Help Egypt navigate her way in the world. Help her navigate her way at home.

Ally Saudi Arabia has launched new efforts to curb Iranian influence in the region, while securing power and reform in the kingdom.

There is war in Yemen and Syria. There are palpitations in Lebanon. There is ongoing regional instability.

And then there is Egypt, trying to recover. The president wants peace to prevail. He also has a powerful friend to placate.

God, help Egypt do what is right. Help her protect her interests. May they be the same thing, whatever it is.

Bring peace to the region. End foreign interference. Promote the good of the people. Support freedom and transparency.

May virtue persevere. May vice transform. Give all introspection, and respect for the other.

And if this applies also in Egypt, God, tally the scorecard correctly.

Recently a few churches in the nation have been closed. Some say it is for security reasons. Others speak of license.

A new law heralds a new era. An old issue resurfaces an ongoing frustration.

Egypt welcomes religious freedom for Copts. Sometimes their places of worship find trouble.

God, first and foremost, may the facts be known. What is causing the closures?

Maybe there are neighbors resisting a church in their village. Give power of law to the state; give empathetic consensus to the community.

Maybe there are authorities aligned with old mentalities. Give unity of vision to the state; give real reconciliation to the community.

Maybe there are activists making mountains out of molehills. Give clarity of communication to the state; give patient conviction to the community.

And if there are differing interpretations of your will, give wisdom and insight to all.

God, these issues are tricky, with much on the line. Help Egypt navigate safely, at home in your world.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: World Youth

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God,

They came from around the world. They discussed much local and regional.

If they paid attention, they watched leaders consult and sign million dollar contracts.

And they lent presence to an effort to give a strong message: Egypt wants to listen to the youth. The world should do the same.

So they should, God. Everyone should listen.

Much of the developing world is demographically skewed. Youth are the majority; leadership is old. This is not a bad thing. Wisdom takes time.

But revolutions have sprung from less. Egypt knows. She is still recovering.

And some are still angry. They see the World Youth Forum as hypocrisy. Far too many are still in jail.

Some have been pardoned. A program is launched to help remove stigma. And the forum itself was sparked by presidential youth meetings.

Only you can judge sincerity, God.

But you can also aid forgiveness. You can also strengthen persistence. You can lead the youth in both, as appropriate.

Perhaps some in opposite directions. There is a wealth of virtues to pursue. But many vices also to waylay.

Youth may rush to judgment. They may wallow in depression.

They do best with guidance, when given sufficient freedom.

God, help Egypt find the balance. Help the youth heal, and thrive.

And with the world present, may they cross-pollinate. May they learn. May they inspire.

They are a challenge, but also a hope. A danger, but also a strength.

May they contribute to both local and regional. May they pay attention.

We have to talk, said the forum. Indeed we do, said the youth. May all messages be heard, and find resolution.

Egypt, and the world, works better together.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Accountable

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God,

It was too big a disaster. After 16 security personnel were killed in an ambush in the Western desert, several top police and military brass took the fall.

Among them, Sisi’s son’s father-in-law, the chief-of-staff. The message is powerful: All are accountable.

It was too big an opportunity. After contentious debate about two islands and free trade zones with Saudi Arabia, the kingdom announced a new megacity sharing territory with Jordan and Egypt.

Between them, there has been little public discussion. The absence is powerful: Who is accountable?

God, be with Egypt. May she do all things well.

Give the new leadership vision, wisdom, and execution. Help them win this war.

Give the new project efficiency, transparency, and success. Help it grow the economy.

In these and in all, let accountability filter through the state.

The bureaucracy is large, the private sector small. Help merit be rewarded, mediocracy released. There are many barriers, some of them good. People need their jobs.

But God, make them meaningful. May Egyptians work as unto you.

Let your pleasure find expression also in this world. Peace. Prosperity. Dignity.

Your final accounting is coming. Be merciful, now and then.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Death and Dishonor

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God,

All life is precious, all that exists. Even in death you care for their life.

But those that never existed? What then if they did?

Last week sixteen policemen were killed in a shootout with terrorists. Foreign news agencies put the death toll much higher, relying on unnamed security sources.

Egypt reacted angrily, and demanded the names of the dead be listed. So far it has not been done, but they stand by their reporting.

God, honor the dead and their sacrifices, no matter the number.

How awful if some are neglected. How awful if others invented.

The confusion helps no one, God, so settle the score.

Trust is essential commodity.

Unnamed sources are ok in journalism, if multiple and verifiable. But they are not best, and invite questioning.

Government statements are ok in journalism, if transparency is established. Official and best, they invite questions if lacking.

Egypt has released the names of the dead, and promised access to records. Grieving families are hard to silence.

Let the sources give the rest, God, or be silent.

If the sources are up to sabotage, make wise the agencies and empower the government to remove them.

If the agencies are up to sabotage, make wise the industry and expose them.

If the government sabotages its own dead, make wise the people.

These are dirty games, God. Bring forth the truth.

Give Egypt success against those who wish to harm her. Too many have died already.

Let not dishonor surround them. Trust, like life, is precious.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Starts and Fits

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God,

It can be difficult to begin again. Promising signs give way to more trouble. Egypt is looking to rebuild after several hard years of revolution.

Be with her.

The president has launched a new administrative capital city to house government by the end of the decade. But will it end as previous efforts, Cairo conquering all?

A new traffic law is drafted to better driving habits and reduce congestion. But is there will for proper enforcement, culture conquering all?

New Japanese-model schools are ready to open to instill better sense of discipline and education. But delays come with lack of transparency; corruption conquering all?

The military appears to be making gains against militants to quell terrorism and quiet the Sinai. But attacks continue as desperation rises; can a security commitment conquer all?

Tourism is rebounding from historic lows as beach and history are made more beautiful by depreciation. But the economy falters as inflation increases; can foreign currency conquer all?

God, give patience. God, give urgency.

Egypt is in a tricky place. There is enough stability to move forward. There is enough inertia to hold back.

So give wisdom. Give competence. Give vision. Give realism.

Give hope to the people. Give systems of merit and justice. Give space to live and thrive.

Give a new start, and fit all together. Trouble will come, and hard years continue. But rebuild.

Begin again, with your promise firm. Bless Egypt’s people. May they be yours.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Competition, Good and Evil

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God,

There is pleasure in struggle, but spite is so easy. Egypt found a long-lost joy, an international opportunity, and a rare but familiar reminder.

For the first time since 1990, the national soccer team qualified for the World Cup. Frequently the African champion, the streets filled and horns honked after the stoppage time winning goal.

God, thank you for the popular release. Times have been tough, and sport matters little. But you have been pleased to give us diversions. Let the unity created last.

For the first time ever, an Arab nation could have led UNESCO. Egypt and Qatar vied with France to head the UN cultural body, but both fell short. Still at odds with the wealthy peninsula, Egypt threw her support behind Europe, in the end.

God, bless the work of international cooperation. There are rifts in the Gulf, rifts with America, and controversy over Palestine. But place culture above it all. Let it, in unity, craft.

For the first time in a long while, a Coptic priest has been murdered. Visiting an area in lower-class Cairo, an assailant stabbed him to death. Details are unclear, extremism is suspected.

God, comfort his family, his church, and his country. Rid Egypt’s specter of sectarianism, protect her streets from violence. Some see religion as contest, while others are offended. Let not her unity pass.

The fight is worthwhile, God. We prove ourselves against others. Let the winners be humble, the vanquished esteemed.

But not all is competition. Good or evil, there is always better.

Bring Egypt together, and the world with her. For our greater pleasure, and in us, for yours.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Palestine, Parliament

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God,

To make peace, to make law – men must meet together.

Egypt has played a primary role in fostering unity between Fatah and Hamas. There can be little progress in just peace with Israel when Palestinians are feuding.

And now Egypt’s parliament opens a new session. The first word: Do not defame the body. There can be little progress in stabilizing society in a house divided.

God, keep the unity of spirit through the bond of peace.

There is much bad blood in Palestine, with different visions and different pressures. It will not be easy to make amends, let alone to engage Israel.

And there is much bad blood in parliament, with accusations of subservience and sabotage. It will not be easy to check and balance, let alone to achieve consensus.

God, when men meet together not all is peace. Perhaps it must be so to get there. Give space for all grievance. Give patience with all charity.

Set the Holy Land straight, God. Make Egypt merciful.

May their peoples achieve peace, domestic and foreign, inside and out.

May they argue as necessary but meet together, and love.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Mashrou3

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God,

Some people have a project. Others like to project.

And some just like to sing. Judge between them, God. Their intentions and their cause.

An upscale district in Cairo invited a popular Lebanese band to a concert festival. The lead singer is well known as a homosexual.

Some in the crowd raised a rainbow flag in solidarity. Shared on social media, the firestorm began.

Talking heads and politicians continued the hubbub. Seven concertgoers were arrested, with investigations into the organizers. The band may yet be banned.

God, all praise to you for the gift of music. May your creation craft creatively in honorable imitation.

But some creation, yours and ours, deviate from the norm. Give wisdom, God, in what to do.

You esteem freedom, God, but not license. You create diversity, but not deformity.

Guide your creation in knowing where to draw the line.

For those on the wrong side of society’s norm, may they find mercy within judgment.

For those on the right, may they respond with the right. At times, the law. At others, grace.

For those who wish to erase and adjust, may they know well your will. If in one direction, give them compassion. If in the other, courage.

For all, may they know your love for all creation. Your love embraces, but also transforms. Bring all to your desired end.

You have the best of all projects, God. Creatively change us. Bring us to sing.

Amen.

note: Mashrou3 is Arabic for “project” and is part of the name of the Lebanese band, Mashrou3 Laila.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: United Nations

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God,

Significant things happened within Egypt this week. A prisoner was acquitted after four years detainment. Two churches reopened after security concerns. Police station spot inspections were begun by parliament.

But the president was in New York at the United Nations, significantly negotiating the path of the nation.

He earned praise for helping un-divide the Palestinians. He urged better coordination in combatting terrorism. He signed memorandums on illegal migration. He lobbied for increased foreign investment.

He took his place on the world stage, mingling with world leaders.

Interests govern foreign affairs, God. But relationships can make a significant difference.

So does domestic policy. Help Egypt do what is right by her own people.

But in the world, give the president grace. In precarious times, help him balance sovereignty and support. Help him challenge allies, and win over foes.

Help him represent Egypt.

It is a significant task, God, but in your sovereignty, support him. Of the people, and for them, challenge, and win over.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Militant Human Rights

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God,

Egypt is abuzz over human rights allegations, accusing security of systemized torture.

Egypt is ablaze in militant conflict, attacking security in systemized violence.

Clarity, God, and safety. Settle the challenges Egypt must face.

The government refutes the charges of torture, stating any examples are individual, investigated, and prosecuted. It states the research into the report was shoddy, reliant on inadequate sources, and overtly politicized.

The government raided a terrorist cell in a neighborhood of urban Cairo, killing several. It then suffered losses when a convoy was ambushed in the Sinai. It asserts progress is being made and pressure exerted on the militants, but still faces an intransigent and virulent threat.

God, assist the authorities to fully establish a culture of human rights and the accountability thereof. And assist the self-appointed accountants to both chronicle and communicate well.

Give them discernment between exposure and advice. Give them wisdom in opposition and partnership. And give humility to the authorities in refutation, with courage, in reform.

But as for militancy, silence it. Channel frustrations into legal and viable options. Save violence only against recalcitrant evildoers. And even these, convict to repentance.

God, there are many paths to legitimacy. There are many more ways to undermine.

Establish Egypt upon your path—abuzz in expectancy, ablaze in creativity—systemized both as secure and human.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Rohingya

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God,

The Azhar spoke out about the death and displacement of Muslims from Myanmar. It called on the world’s conscience to care, and the international community to do something about it.

It also asserted—rightly or wrongly—that if they were Jews, Christians, or Buddhists, there would have been action already.

God, some of the images are horrific. Villages burned, children killed. Stop the violence, end the hatred.

Myanmar says the Muslim community are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, appropriating land over many years.

Whatever the truth, God, may problems be solved appropriately.

Perhaps the Azhar is right. Few outside of Southeast Asia pay much attention to the region.

But God, all have blind spots. Many support their own. Hypocrisy is everywhere—none can equitably spread their compassion, none can completely ensure justice.

Except you. Intervene, God. There and everywhere. Motivate your world to join you.

Give wisdom to the Azhar, and the world’s Muslims, in how to compel the cause.

Give wisdom to Myanmar, and the Rohingya’s neighbors, in how to solve their grievances.

And give wisdom to the world, to find the path toward peace.

May mankind care, God. May mankind act.

May religion have little to do with it. May you have much.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Eid Precaution

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God,

As Muslims celebrate, keep their joy. As Egyptians observe, keep them safe.

In Egypt and around the region, security is stepped up in prevention of extremist attacks. The pilgrimage, a time of piety for many, is a time of advertising for others.

May the eid pass peacefully, God. May peace come in their supplication.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Trump Trial

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God,

They started out friendly. Probably they still are. But the American president played an unexpected wild card, with developments still uncertain.

The US cut its military aid.

Trump has repeatedly praised Sisi, who has returned the admiration. But even so his administration followed an Obama pattern in holding back some aid pending better progress in human rights and democracy.

One reason: The controversial NGO law. Sources said they were told by Egypt it would not pass.

God, international relations are built on interests, but also through relationship. Strengthen communication between the two leaders.

Did Egypt promise and not deliver? Did she deceive to begin with? Or is it an erroneous report?

Let there be clarity in the relationship, God. Let Egypt know exactly what the US requires, and act accordingly.

No games. No guessing.

But also no free ride. Help Egypt judge the demands of her sovereignty. If accepting aid, in exchange for what? Is it a price worth paying?

Help her reach a place no aid is needed.

Develop Egypt in human rights and democracy, God. Develop also the American understanding.

Where there is a gap, narrow it.

Preserve friendly relations, God. In international relations, wild is risky. Put cards on the table, and play them well.

All is uncertain, but you know the way. Lead Egypt to the right and good.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: New Proposals

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God,

Egypt is debating significant changes. Give her the wisdom to walk the right path.

Some have proposed the constitution be amended to allow the president a six-year term. Others say leave the constitution alone, and implement it.

Some have proposed the marriage age be lowered to 16 to legalize longstanding practice. Others say there are too many Egyptians already, and it is backwards.

Some (in Tunisia) have proposed inheritance be divided equally between the sexes, and marriage made open to non-Muslim men. The Azhar says it is against Islamic sharia, and condemns it.

Some have proposed the train system be mechanized. No one opposes, but who will fund it?

God, your discernment is needed.

Grant the president wisdom to achieve agenda, and the people a choice in approving their leader.

Grant Egypt wisdom in population control, and women a choice in the details of marriage.

Grant the Azhar wisdom in Islamic interpretation, and Tunisia a choice in religion and state.

Grant the ministry wisdom with limited resources, and funders the choice of both safety and gain.

God, develop Egypt to function well – government, institutions, and citizens.

In all the above, lead her. Changes must come, may they be the right ones.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Ag, HR

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God,

Egypt used to be a breadbasket. Now she imports her food. But vegetables are still desired abroad, if only they would accept them.

Several nations have put a ban on Egyptian agriculture, wary of pesticides. Egypt had been hoping for boom harvest sales, having recently devalued the currency. Now they may face a domestic glut.

Fix what needs fixing, God. Help Egypt better care for her resources, and better market her goods. Balance crop with environment, profit with health.

However impossible, restore self-sufficiency.

Wherever necessary, reinforce human rights.

The president signed a law strengthening the national council devoted to the cause. Guaranteed is its access to prisons and hospitals, as well as its access to cabinet and parliament.

It has the mandate to hold government accountable. God, give it the wisdom and courage.

Appoint the right men and women. May they find listening ears and responsive hands. May individual and society equally be honored.

Dignity, God, and food. Provide both, from within Egypt.

Amen.

 

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: More Reform

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God,

Two more price categories are now set for increase: Water, by up to 50%, and bus tickets, the same. Subsidies are being slashed across the board, and inflation is rising.

The government has implemented procedures to help the poor, who are many. The economy is struggling, and has been imbalanced for a long time.

At least the reforms are doing something, God, but are they the right thing?

They are not the only reforms, though. The education minister revamped the elementary system and promises the same for high school.

Most agree education needs drastic improvement, God, but will it work? Will anything?

The people can only wait and see, and hope. Good news is that two new oil fields are producing at ‘unprecedented’ levels. New natural gas fields are near to extraction.

The requests are simple, God. Give wisdom to the ministers. Give support to the poor. Give patience to the rest.

But with patience, transparency and accountability. If the economy is put straight, put it straight for all. If it collapses… God, spare Egypt the tragedy. Spare the world.

Increase production, and slash corruption. Do what you wish with subsidies, but inflate the sense of national responsibility.

And reform, God. Reform well. The human heart and all beside.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Base, Council

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God,

Terrorism is defeated neither by force nor ideology. Yet they dare not be neglected.

Egypt took a step in both directions this week. God, give her success.

A military base was inaugurated toward the Libyan border. And the president formalized an anti-extremism council, with representatives also from the Azhar and Orthodox church.

May the day come when no base is necessary. May men know you themselves with no need of clerics.

But until then, God, and in these days especially, raise every encumbrance against terrorism.

Raise the capacity of the military. Raise the morality of the people.

But mostly, redeem the conscience of the extremists. Win them to yourself.

There are always ways to do evil. Its final defeat is only in you.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Death and Cancelation

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God,

Five more policemen were killed today. Several high-profile militants were killed this week. And to avoid adding their number to the roll, Egypt’s churches canceled summer activities for the next three weeks.

The intelligence services are finding material – warning the Christians and raiding the hideouts.

Yet extremist elements are finding recruits – threatening Christians and targeting checkpoints.

God, the cycle must end somewhere. May it be with the least blood.

Criminals must be found, God. But give them justice greater than death. To the degree possible, help raids end in capture.

Peace must be established, God. But give Egypt justice greater than security. To the degree possible, help rights end in responsibility.

Death comes for all, God, when you will it. But in Egypt the past several years, it has come too soon for too many.

In eternity you cancel death. May Egypt live as if you canceled it now.

Amen.