Tag: God

God,

Prayers are one day late this week, but maybe it is for the better. One year ago today the nation descended in numbers, overwhelming police, and reached Tahrir Square. Remembering this day brings joy and sorrow, pride and remorse, hope and frustration. It was a day of courage, a day of conviction, a day of confusion, a day of crime. It changed so much, yet not all has changed. It was a privilege to be here. It is a privilege to continue.

Comfort Egypt, God, over those who died that day, and in subsequent protests. Bring justice to those responsible; issue forgiveness from bitter hearts. Convict those who transgressed and sought violence and chaos; rebuke those who took justice into their own hands. Honor the memory of this day, God, but allow no myths to obscure. The people made a mighty movement, but not all was right or good.

Yet so much was, God. And much of what was right or good is under question today. Unity has been replaced by suspicion; commonality with peculiarity of interest. Some groups took the day to celebrate, others to deny a reason for it. By the end these were at each others’ throats.

One year has passed, God. Are you pleased? Have the people reaped the reward of their sins, or the fruit of their virtues? Is it mixed? Is more struggle necessary, or more patience? Is one party in the right, deserving support? Have all compromised and manipulated, deserving judgment? Give grace to each and every individual, God, to find his or her way. Group these together, God, to form a path. Multiply them, to draw a map, even as its routes diverge.

Yet let this map be Egypt; its backbone the Nile. Grant wisdom to the military; may they govern justly and honor their promises. Grant consensus to the parliament; may they honor the people and fulfill their trust. Grant tenacity to the protestors; may they hold all accountable yet not neglect love and mercy.

God, honor the revolution. Protect Egypt in difficult times. Purify the hearts of its leaders at all levels; purify those who follow them. Give the nation humility and introspection; test her and reveal any wickedness. Restore the joy of her accomplishments; lead her in your way of righteousness. Make Egypt a beacon, God; her people an example. May they love each other. May they rejoice and be glad.

Amen.

God,

There is calm before a potential storm. Unlike the situation of many previous weeks, there is clear picture of the status quo. What is not clear is if it will be upset once more, as January 25 approaches. Will people celebrate their revolution, or renew it?

What is known can be understood, for the most part. Islamists have convincingly won the parliament, which will sit officially on January 23. Its legitimacy is widely acknowledged, setting up a parallel legitimacy with the army, which still occupies the role of presidency. There are unknowns: Will the Muslim Brotherhood ally with the Salafis for full Islamist control? Will parliament confront the legitimacy of the army? These are unknowns, but they are politics. Politics confuses, but it is not revolution. To a large degree, the scene it set. To a large degree, it is an acceptable scene.

God, give wisdom to those who play this game. Moreover, make it not a game, but a trust, especially as it pertains to writing the constitution. Help the game to be civil. Give trust to the participants; give insight to know whom not to trust, and when. Make bedfellows, God, and undo them. But may all bedfellows value fidelity and transparency, as contradictory as this hope may be.

So far, there is one fellow who refuses to bed. Mohamed el-Baradei has left the arena, decrying the lack of fidelity and transparency. Soon, presidential candidates will declare; he will not be among them. Is his judgment sound? Is his politics sounder? Does he lack fidelity and transparency himself?

These are the questions, God, that resound on January 25, engulfing all those who still consider themselves revolutionaries. Has the democratic process been botched, hijacked, or rightfully transformed into politics?

Those who urge further demonstrations, are they simply sore losers, or defrauded pioneers? Is their vision clearer than those who settle, or does ambition prevent their perception of success?

Regardless, God, protect Egypt on January 25. Most revolutionaries do not promote violence. Do some? Will some use the peaceful cover to ferment mischief? Or will others seek to defame them by doing mischief in their name?

So much can be volatile, God. The government is orchestrating celebrations in Tahrir; the revolutionaries are calling for demonstrations in Tahrir. Little organization is advertised; how can confrontations be avoided?

God, preserve Egypt. Sort through the politics in your wisdom, but keep peace between the people. Let not the gains of the revolution be spoiled – especially what was crafted in unity, creativity, and healthy pride. Honor Egypt, God. Honor her people.

Amen.

God,

Egypt now is waiting. Waiting for the 25^th. In many cases, preparing for the 25^th.

The ruling military council has declared the day a national holiday, and is preparing grand celebrations. Meanwhile the revolutionaries scurry around street corners showing films meant to discredit the military council and gain support for continuing the revolution.

Both will be present, presumably in the same places, on the 25^th.

There are still Fridays between now and then to pray for this date, but it is good to ask for your providence now, God. Make this a day of safety, celebration, and continued commitment.

Until then, guide those who are preparing. Weigh their motivations and sift the wheat from the chaff. Do you approve that mass mobilization gives way to politics? Or are the politicians conniving benefactors of others’ work? When one appeals to the ‘martyrs’ is it from grief and desire for redemption, or lip service in the quest for legitimacy?

God you know the answers to the questions of men’s hearts. Whereas much of Egypt is confused, give insight for where to put their confidence and support. Direct men to the proper consensus; that which yields what is right and best. Give humility to the vanguard, give reflection to the masses. Give wisdom to the nation’s leaders. Take away fear; replace it with power, courage, and love.

God, the 25^th may be huge, or it may come and go as one more day on the path of transition to somewhere. Regardless, may the outcome be towards a system that honors people, respects their dignity, and protects their sovereignty. Bless Egypt, God. Make her whole.

Amen.

God,

After a slow week, there is a pause to return to basics. Bless the military council; give them wisdom to govern the country. Give them commitment to honor the transition. Give them humility to seek support. Give them patience in the face of criticism. Give them repentance over any errors. Give them justice, in all matters.

Bless the revolutionaries; give them courage to call failure to account. Give them strength to stand against opposition. Give them openness to the views of others. Give them hope to fuel their cause and remain peaceful. Give them patience, in all matters.

Bless the politicians; give them sincerity to represent their constituency. Give them transparency to reveal their agenda. Give them insight to seek consensus. Give them vision to build Egypt for all. Give them integrity, in all matters.

Bless the people; give them their daily bread. Give them love for their nation. Give them discernment between all who call for their support. Give them conviction to act. Give them security. Give them joy and a sense of humor. Give them recognition of the moment in which they live. Give them peace, in all matters.

God, bless Egypt. Give her your love.

God,

There seems to be a frustration and bitterness settling into Egypt these days. Many are at odds with each other; sides have been drawn. At the same time, many seem to be resisting sides, which only deepens the bitterness of those who have chosen. A hardened heart helps no one, God. It alienates one from others and you.

Fifteen people are dead as a result of clashes between protestors and the army, with many more injured. Accusations are traded as to who started it, but evidence shows both sides complicit. Yet the army, as it struggles to defend its reputation, has almost outright lost it its legitimacy on the side of the revolutionaries. Others have rallied to their side in demonstration – though in lesser numbers – while many more are troubled by the whole episode, and the situation of Egypt as a whole.

Yet the political parties maneuver. Most liberals have issued scathing rebuke to the army, and call upon it to leave power immediately or have a president elected soon. Meanwhile the Muslim Brotherhood also criticized the bloodshed, but maintains its support for the army-led transition and timetable. One round of elections remains, until an Islamist parliamentary majority is seated. Who holds to principle, and who seeks manipulation and advantage? This is an accusation thrown in both directions.

God it is troubling. Who should be trusted? Who should be supported? If it is true the army should go, should it be immediately via a revolution continued, or after elections via a parliamentary legitimacy? Or, is the army the best choice to backbone Egypt, seen throughout history, now and forever? Has the Brotherhood made a deal with the devil to secure their governance, or are liberals/leftists burning their republican credentials to thwart the Islamists and an army committed to democratic transition? Should the population pick sides, or would this make things worse? Are all seeking the greater good, or do any care about Egypt at all?

God, life is murky and you set humanity in the middle of it. Give your guidance to all who seek you. Not all will have insight or conviction to tell the sides apart – lead these to pray. For those who must get off the sidelines and do something for their country, may their action be preceded by prayer. For those already committed, soften their hearts toward the other, that they may find the openings for compromise and mutually beneficial solutions. Oppose all bitterness and frustration, God; replace it with hope.

God, give Egypt consensus. Keep her from further bloodshed, and bring all parties together to agree. You know the place they must come to, the place that will satisfy the people. So many fear this place does not exist, that there must be winners and losers. Maybe it is so. Yet a miracle can be as grand as humanity is simple – if only each will discover this in the other. Intercede, God, and build Egypt anew. Debate and disagreement is healthy; rejection is not. May all Egyptians drink from the Nile – your gift given freely.

May they likewise be generous with each other. Have mercy, God, and give wisdom.

Amen.

God,

Egypt moves forward, but then seems to take two steps back. Round two elections were completed this week. They were peaceful – for the most part – but accusations of fraud were plentiful. It is hard to know if there is deep and real cheating, if there are minor and exuberant excesses, or if there are planted rumors to discredit either candidates, parties, or the process itself. God, grant the authorities the wisdom and conviction to investigate thoroughly. Elections only grant legitimacy and move democracy forward if they are free and fair.

Politically things were quiet in-between rounds. Forces anticipate the round one percentage for Islamists to hold, and it seems party leaders are taking stock of the situation, engaged in internal discussions. Yet there will be decisions to make for all: Should the Brotherhood ally with the Salafis, or with the liberals? Should the liberals agree to ally with Islamists at all? Should they lean on the military to confront their power, or should all political forces unite to lean against the military? God, these choices will be rife with consequences; steer each group toward sincerity of action, and meld their decisions together for the common good.

And on the heels of counting the ballots, violence erupts again. A persistent but not overly populous sit-in at the government cabinet offices was attacked from above. By appearances, military personnel mixed with plain-clothed Egyptians to throw rocks, glass, and even office equipment, on the protestors below. Some are reported to have been shot; two are dead and a hundred injured. Molotovs were mixed by the protestor; some seem to have tried to burn the parliament building on which assailants stood.

God, such things are perplexing. If those in uniform were indeed the military, have some lost discipline? Has authority waned? Worse, could it be allowed, or even encouraged? Why? All in all it was such a minor incident – rock throwing reminiscent of children – but so many are angry even small things can explode. Meanwhile there is much that is not small – deaths, beatings, arrests.

Give eyes to the military leaders, God, that they may see what is happening and respond accordingly. Grant them an uprightness of character to hold their institution together and have it serve the Egyptian people. Give them insight to discover any party manipulating for its own interests, and charge them accordingly, and transparently. May they profit from the advisory council with whom they have surrounded themselves. May they have wisdom.

The same is needed for political leaders and protestors as well. Cleanse the hearts of the latter, especially, that they may not be driven by anger and revenge. Have them hold their peaceful line, and refuse to be drawn into discrediting violence.

And for the former, cleanse their hearts of selfish ambition, wherever it exists. Give the people a commitment to consensus, that all might share in rebuilding Egypt. Build trust between them, and prevent any exploitation thereof.

Power is being contested, God, and this can bring out the worst in man. Protect Egypt and supply her people with conviction to do what is right. Only you and not they know this precisely, but be their light and guide. Humble them to make them strong.

Amen.

God,

It has been a week of posturing and jockeying for position. Liberal forces either complain of election violations or summon confidence in democratic gains. Islamist forces either puff out their chests seeking authority or bow their heads to reassure the troubled vanquished. Meanwhile the military describes early results as non-representative and prepares an advisory council to work alongside the government. At odds are no less than the drafting of the constitution, so stakes are high. Yet even here it is not certain if parliament has any power at all, so stakes are low. Figuring out the difference makes for a slow boiling conflict.

Perhaps not all conflict is bad, God. May this conflict be handled well, protecting broad and inclusive interests as well as legitimate rights of majority.

But conflict can form along dangerous lines, and it appears this one forms, to a sizeable degree, upon religion. Help conflict to end in consensus, God, but religion is so easily zero-sum. Must one party win? If so, which reality will serve Egypt best? Or is religious conflict only a manufactured distraction? Does the true conflict lie elsewhere?

God, much of this is posturing, which is the less than transparent marketing of interests. Is this politics in essence? Must it be? God, give Egypt good men and women who will serve the nation before themselves. Give Egypt good men and women who serve you first and foremost, honoring your principles over dedication to their cause. Foil those who manipulate, God. Protect Egypt from all schemes; grant her true and honest self-determination.

Second stage elections come soon, God. Keep them safe; keep them pure. May they be a next step in transition, and may transition end in free, open, and transparent government. May the Egyptian people take pride in their nation and their institutions. Help all parties to remember this end goal, no matter their strivings. May even their striving be a source of pride, that it be done honestly and honorably.

God, you know what is best. Give Egypt your wisdom; her people your strength. May all be courageous to do what is right.

Amen.

God,

Thank you for peaceful elections. Thank you for having them relatively free of major violations. Thank you for the excitement and commitment of the people to stand in line for hours. May they not get tired, as they must do it again in a few days for the runoff.

Thank you for that which reflects the will of the people. Thank you for their share in the coming government. Thank you for another step in the transition process. May belief and consensus be built in the coming days and weeks.

God, continue to protect Egypt as elections move to the remaining governorates. As some of these regions are more familiar with family and tribal rivalries, and even violence therein, may the spirit of peace reign as these loyalties remain in play. Help voters to select those who will best represent them.

Grant wisdom, God, to those who left the protests to vote, who must decide whether or not to remain in Tahrir. This is more than an election, God, it is a revolution. Grant increasing legitimacy to rotating representative government – if you hold this to be best – even as other means are employed. May they all be peaceful, God, even if they must confront power. Keep the nation free from bloodshed. May consensus emerge from the many voices, interests, and methods of the revolution.

God, bring Islamists and liberals together. Cause Copts and Salafis to embrace. Even as entities remain political enemies, may they respect each other out of mutual love for Egypt. Build relationships along divisive lines. Grant the military wise stewardship of this process, and may all learn the levels of efficacious trust. May all be free from duplicity and manipulation.

Thank you, God, for a good start to a long process. While many questions and issues remain, give the people space to celebrate. Yet double their commitment to see the process through. In the end, God, all these decisions about politics are yours; you grant a land its leaders. May they be wise, humble, and work in your fear. May you bless Egypt through them. May you build Egypt through them. Help them to know the weight of their charge, and seek you accordingly.

Amen.   

God,

In trying and troubling times, be a refuge for all Egyptians. Give them wisdom to know whom to trust, whom to follow, and whom to encourage in building the nation. May decisions made now be right; may they lay a solid foundation. Protect Egypt from manipulation; protect her from harm. Give clarity; expose deceit. God, move Egypt through its transition to arrive at a destination which honors her people. Bless this nation, God. Give her peace and stability; give her strength to continue. May good men and women rise to do what is right.

Amen.

God,

In fact there were two: An April deadline for presidential elections with return to civilian rule, and withdrawal of a document granting the military a special role in crafting the constitution. Furthermore, there were two groups protesting: The substantial majority was Islamist; the sizeable minority was youth/leftist/liberal reminiscent of the revolution. The latter continue their direct calls against the military-as-old regime; the former inch closer to this conclusion, but still has wiggle room to avoid it.

Bless the politics of Egypt, God. It is easy for principle to mix with self-interest, with all parties susceptible.

Bless the confluence of political forces at the demonstration, God. While they have a common aim it seems clear they do not share a common end. If they worked together despite differences, honor them. If their partnership is of convenience, protect each one from the other, should disappointment follow their parting.

Bless those who stayed behind, God. Liberal parties either condemned the demonstration as injurious to security, judged the event too Islamist, or else desired an arbiter to protect a civil constitution. If their stance was from principle, honor them. If it was of connivance, increase their faith. Egypt needs all segments engaged, that the final result might be reflective of all.

Bless the military leadership, God. Today’s demonstration placed much pressure upon them. If their goals were noble, honor them that they not yield from force on what is right. If their ambition ran unbridled, give them pause to honor the people and guide Egypt through this transitional period. Give them wisdom, give them grace, give them vision.

Bless the remaining multitudes of citizens, God. As elections approach, fill them with love of nation that they may participate fully. Guide their decisions and produce a parliament fitting for its people. Grant the people a participatory experience to cement their commitment to and share in good governance. May they hold all future officials accountable.

God, guide all in this coming week through the fallout of this demonstration. May decisions lead to outcomes of peace, consistent with justice. Bless Egypt, God, and cause her to prosper.

Amen.

God,

Advance prayers are necessary this week, God, as a possibly crucial next stage approaches. Elections are on the horizon, but a closer hurdle looms. A proposal exists that would shape the next constitution, granting the military an influential role, while limiting the influence of the elected parliament. As Egypt never clearly defined the eventual outcome of its democratic transition, some liberals find the effort to be a belated, but necessary guidepost. Other liberals, and nearly all Islamists, find it as an effort to shift transitional authority from the people to the military, essentially undoing the result of the March referendum.

There is push and pull among all political forces, God. Surely these maintain concern both for the nation and their own interests. Yet Islamists are threatening a major demonstration against the proposal on the coming Friday. Extreme scenarios include a Tehran moment when the revolution swings religious, or a major crackdown on the Islamist movement. The greater likelihood is that neither side possesses the strength necessary to assert its will; compromises will be reached sufficient to avert any crisis. This is politics, and it is fair.

But it is also dangerous, God. Give wisdom this week to leaders on all sides. Help understanding to be reached through consensus, not raw power, and certainly not violence.

Move Egypt forward, God. Lead her to a government that reflects the will of the people. Lead the people to a will that reflects your own. Grant Egypt safe and transparent elections. Grant her a stable, effective, and representative government. Give her honest men and women who put the interests of others before their own.

Hold to account, God, all who allow the balance of own and national interests to go askew. Keep Egypt from evil. Give faith, hope, courage, and conviction to those who must stand for what is right. May these be as many as possible – the citizenry in general – even as they may disagree on its terms. Honor them, God, and grant them success.

Give grace this week, God. Extend it through elections. Protect Egypt; keep her safe as you make her strong.

Amen.

God,

How good and pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity. Elections in Egypt need not fracture unity, nor the writing of a new constitution. Yet they may. Perhaps they have. Or perhaps they will forge a new unity.

Foundations are being laid, God. Grant the people a firm cornerstone of a constitution. Give them a clean and pure political process to build upon. So much is important in these coming days. Strengthen the people to stand for the good of Egypt. Awaken them to take hold of the destiny of their nation. Focus their discernment to sort right from wrong. Purify their heart in innocence and wisdom, to find what it is you desire for this country.

God, cause all those who manipulate and seek their own to be exposed. Rebuke them, God, to prevent their machinations. Bring them to confession, and then to restoration. Let unity prevail, even as agendas clash. May good triumph; may it love and honor all who stand against it.

God, bless Egypt. Give her rulers wisdom, her people determination. Guide her in the days to come.

Amen.

God,

Where is Egypt these days? What does the landscape suggest? Tunisia just completed successful elections, for which thanks is given. May Egypt soon do the same, for which support is asked. Is Egypt on the same path? Can she come to consensus?

This month may be telling, God. Legislative elections are scheduled for the end of November. Though fears abound for postponement, there is nothing definitive to suggest it. Candidacies have been received across the nation, alliances have formed, broken, and repositioned, and the nation even entertains the question of Egyptians voting abroad. Signs are good, though competition may be fierce.

How fierce, God? In the past violence at the polling station was near commonplace, when little was at stake. Now, the winners will have the greatest share in writing the new constitution. Either from parties seeking their interest, or others seeking sabotage, might violence increase this year? God, may it not be so. May the workers of evil be held in check.

Other signs are worrisome, too. Certainly the police must have a large share in keeping security. Yet this last week has witnessed sustained protests from low ranking police officers, demanding the reform of their own organization. They even threaten to leave elections unguarded if their plea is ignored. Meanwhile, there are infrequent allegations of abuse and corruption from inside the security agencies. Is the police force stable enough to keep the peace? If not, is the army capable of doing the job? Can the people be counted on to secure elections themselves?

In the instability present, some people have sought to secure themselves first and foremost. Lower class residents of a certain area have stormed an unfinished public housing sector, appropriating the location for themselves. Even if their cause is just, the nation can ill handle the masses taking justice into their own hands. Yet with so many focused on bread, do they have the will to focus on elections?

God, the task before the police is difficult. Given so much rein to flaunt the law, how can they learn to maintain control otherwise? And surely, some will not be keen to reform and abide by the law. Yet for the honest and decent policemen, their profession is held in such contempt as to invite violence on themselves. Much mercy is needed, God. Visit the police stations across the country, and redeem them. On January 28, they received rebuke and destruction. Now, they need healing from the hand of a tough love. Supply the people necessary to achieve this, God, but supervise the process and bring it to completion. Egypt is in need.

Similarly, God, Egyptians are in need. The revolution cannot solve every problem quickly, and perhaps it has multiplied others. Held back by oppression, the people carried on nobly. Now, though it feels unjust to ask, may they hold themselves back by patriotism, and carry on nobly for the nation. Their causes will be aided by just governance, which depends on elections and the formation of a new polity. Bless the people, God; grant them peace and stability. Fill their stomachs, find them jobs, and give them a will to determine the path of their nation.

God, give wisdom to all to know what is required of them. May some protest, and others rebuke them. May some politic, and others remain uncompromising. Take it all, God, and bless it. Create from it the mechanisms of governance, in a functioning civil society. Within this month, and afterwards, may people find the way you intend. May it be for the good of all.

Amen.

God,

Things are still in a bit of a daze. There have been no escalations since Maspero, no multiplied scenes of sectarian tension, as best I have heard. Thank you for this, God. Thank you for the wise and calming words from different sectors of society. Thank you for the outrage which preoccupied many. God, may this tragedy pass.

But may it not be neglected or set aside. Bring the guilty to justice, God; heal wounds of body and spirit. The investigation is ongoing, and so much is unclear. The accusations leveled against Copts, even if not broadened to all, may still cause them to shrink back from society and into the church. They may still cause Muslims to wonder about the Coptic community and leadership. God, remove suspicions and grant transparency. Open hearts to receive each other. May the religions not only resist efforts to divide, but also find strength to build. May the initiative be led by love.

God, grant wisdom to the governing powers. May they with prudence handle the demands of the people, especially original ones for freedom, dignity, and social justice. May they stamp out corruption, restore security, revive the economy, and, enable a thorough investigation. May they receive the support of the people, while held to real accountability. Honor them, God, for their service; guide them in your holy fear.

If issues following Maspero are to be moved to the political arena, then make the parties capable. Squabbles are natural; may they reflect the burdens of members rather than the ambition of leaders. Help Egypt to craft a system where all is in the open; may governance stem from legitimate representatives. May Egypt win such honor soon.

God, so much is confusing, for so many. Give Egypt hope. If you grant answers, grant also tranquility. Yet above all, give Egypt love, for love covers over a multitude of sins. Egypt’s sins are many, God, and you are the gracious and merciful. Bring repentance, and bring healing. For the sake of those killed, both now and before, bring resurrection.

Amen.

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• Friday Prayers for Egypt: Maspero (asenseofbelonging.wordpress.com)

God,

So much has gone wrong. Over twenty are dead, over three hundred are injured, and hard questions are being put to the nation. The confirmed dead are almost if not all Christians, the result of a peaceful protest morphing somehow into a bloody confrontation. Some dead are also military, as the army announces but declines to make public the details. The army states its men were not armed with live ammunition; many of those dead are of gunshot wounds. The others were crushed by speeding, swerving military vehicles, which the army neither confirms nor denies, but notes the panic of their men as they were under attack. The army had never killed its own people, and such, was a hero of the revolution. This sanctity is now under question.

The army maintains its innocence and states it was under fire itself, either from armed Coptic revolutionaries or infiltrators in their midst. Initial media put heavy blame on the Copts, even inviting citizens to descend to defend the army. Many did, and clashes continued long into the night. Now, some are claiming the army staged the incident and plays a sectarian card. Others see the old Mubarak regime at work, and some wonder about Coptic belligerence. It is a horrible time in Egypt.

God, you are at your best in redeeming the horrible. Reveal yourself and heal these wounds. Bring comfort to the families of those lost; have mercy on those who killed them. May justice be discovered; may perpetrators be brought to light. Help Egypt to emerge from this tragedy a stronger nation, more unified, more focused.

May the Muslims of Egypt rush to the aid of the Copts, even should investigations prove some had a hand in wrongdoing. May they embrace them as fellow citizens, neighbors, friends – at the least as yet unknown human beings. May events lead to a flowering of relations, realizing the power and necessity of national unity. May Muslims prove the worth of their religion.

May the Christians of Egypt bear events with patience. May they hurt deeply, and from their depths, forgive. May they respond positively, engaging society and Muslims with all their strengths. May they embrace Egypt, and dedicate themselves to her rebuilding. May they pray for the leaders of their nation, even as some doubt the official narrative. May they find their errors, wherever they exist. May they love freely and creatively. May Christians prove the worth of their religion.

God, help Egypt to mourn. Give her citizens time to breathe, time to recover, time to think, time to heal, and time to recommit to the national cause. Help Egypt remember and recall its energy and vibrancy from the revolution. May these days pass. From such trials, may Egypt humble herself. God, from here, as you have promised, raise her up.

God, foil all who wish Egypt to serve their particular interests. Yet bless them, God. Bless them as their selfishness leads to bloodshed. Bless them as they risk tearing a nation at its seams. Bless them as they make families weep. Bless them as they lead others to sin. Bless them, God; it is the only recourse to ask for, that leads to other than more violence and hatred.

Who is doing this, God? Stop them. Stop them. Stop them. Forgive them.

Amen.

God,

This was a difficult week for Egypt. Sectarian issues emerged once more, and political wrangling led to agreement, only to end in further discord. Bless Egypt, God. Keep her stable; make her successful. Repair the damages done this week.

A small Christian community in an overwhelmingly Muslim village sought to make their place of worship look like a church, and may have been less than forthcoming in their efforts. A Muslim response was to destroy their effort and burn it down. Egypt groaned as this issue resurfaced, and Christians took to the street only to be dispersed from their sit-in.

God, there is so much to pray for. Keep this incident from dividing Muslim from Christian in other areas of Egypt. Give the local Christians insight to honor people over buildings, and repent of any pride or selfishness. Give the local Muslims security of faith, so as not to be threatened by the faith of another. Give both the will to embrace the other, and find joint community solutions to that which threatens social peace.

For the Copts of Egypt, give them security of faith as well. Give them confidence that you are working for their good, and the good of the nation. Encourage them to be active in serving their community and defending religious rights, theirs and those of others. Give them wisdom to know the appropriate means, and strength to stand firm in the face of a challenge. Yet may they be characterized by love and compassion, seeking the interests of others as they seek their own.

God, grant the state firmness of hand and sovereignty of law. Restore security and reform abuses. May Egypt, in the midst of its difficult transitions, neglect not the issues of justice and fairness for all, even the least of its population.

Help the state as well, God, to craft political consensus. Parties and military adopted an election timetable, only to have the parties fall under internal conflict. An Islamist faction stands apart from this compromise, even as its coalition with a liberal faction teeters, and perhaps has fallen. What is best for Egypt, God? Shall all political elements come together in preserved unity? Should each seek its own good, compromise, and let the people chose between options? Regardless, God, may all play fair and not manipulate within their varied means.

God, you already know the future of Egypt, which has been designed for the good of all, even if beyond the comprehension of man. May this future be peaceful, prosperous, and free. May those acting now from your gift of freedom do so in accordance with your will. Give Egyptians of all stripes confidence and faith in your sovereignty, along with industriousness of heart to do all within their power to fulfill their honest understanding of what your sovereignty intends. In the end God, merge these visions together, and honor all.

God, heal Egypt. May the scars and atrophy from the surgery of revolution receive the therapy necessary to enliven a dormant vitality. In their frustration, may Egyptians call out to you, and receive your answer, your mercy, and your grace.

Amen.

God,

Egyptians want to put right the revolution. Today they have been vehement against its guardian. Major demonstrations have taken place again, with many accusing the armed forces of failure to accede to the revolutionary demands they promised to protect. Some demand a timetable for surrendering their authority.

God, give wisdom to the ruling leaders. The care of 85 million people is in their hands; the task of rebuilding a nation is at their feet. If there is unhealthy ambition, God, curb it. If there is a lack of trust in the people, help the people to prove trustworthy. If there is legitimate fear of Islamists, may they be exposed. If there is illegitimate fear, may they craft strong bonds with all political trends. May the military carry its charge well, and surrender it in due time.

God, too often revolutionary pushes are met with distractions, and today has witnessed among the worst kind. Sectarian issues have erupted in a city of Upper Egypt, and Christians homes are reportedly on fire. Details are still scant; bless those who are collecting them – that they might report judiciously. Bless those who are suffering – that they might have patience, peace, and forgiveness. Bless those who have struck them – that they might repent. Bless Egypt – that she would rally against any such barbarity, and possibly manipulation. Keep Egypt on a straight path; as it has long been crooked, make it straight.

Give such grace as well, God, to those who are rallying for their economic share. Many have succeeded recently; if this is for your praise, God, may it be given. Yet may their victory not inspire others to push beyond what is their due. For those who need due recompense, and have long worked without it, may they find gracious management, and wisdom if otherwise. Egypt is not strong to handle a deluge of labor protests; yet make Egypt strong so that each may receive his right. May generosity trump selfishness; a living wage the bottom line. Help so many Egyptians escape from poverty.

God, may Egyptians repent of their sins. May they find wisdom and courage. May they banish their fear and unleash their creativity. May they embrace each other, in submission and challenge, rebuke and encouragement, accountability and love. May Egypt be a light and beacon to all.

Amen.

God,

Give Egypt patience, hope, stamina, and faith. As events wind down, they are also heating up. Guide Egypt through these critical days.

A protest scheduled today attracted only a few hundred people. It seems the revolutionary phase is ending, and the state building phase is underway. Election laws are being issued, parties and candidates jockey for position, and one wonders if the street is engaged at all. Yet it may be premature to declare the revolution over; major protests are threatened if the elections are postponed, while labor and student groups continue to agitate despite an increase in legal consequence.

God, does idealism have expiration? Does pragmatism necessitate manipulation? How should hope and faith balance with patience and stamina? Give revolutionaries, politicians, public servants, and leaders a keen will to continue seeing Egypt through to freedom, peace, dignity, and democracy. May they get their hands dirty but keep their hearts clean. Give strength, God, give belief.

God, give perspective. Help the people see and appreciate what has been accomplished, even as vision is necessary to keep the end goal in mind. Regardless of the system to come, God, may it be one that respects the people, hold leaders accountable, and operates without corruption. May it facilitate life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the universal and most moral sense.

May those now engaged in crafting this system respect one another, putting the public good over individual or party interest. God, mutual suspicions abound, and may be deserved. Yet do not let fear drive the creation of the new state, God. May it be built upon sublime principles which honor your creation. May it yield to majority without infringing on minority. May it acknowledge the inviolability of the individual, and the nobility of group and custom. God, protect Egypt, but more, unleash her. Give the people rise to shape their own destiny. May she know peace; may she know strength. God, may this be for the good of all.

Amen.