Tag: God

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Prayers

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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Prayers

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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Prayers

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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Prayers

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.  

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Supervision, Security

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God,

It is too early to work out the details, but the plan is set in motion.

By 2024 Egypt will surrender full judicial supervision of elections. 

In their place will be an election commission. The change accords with the constitution, and on paper all should be fine.

But God, Egyptian paper is not a strong papyrus. 

Past elections have been manipulated. Some say these days are over. Others fear they may return, without the oversight of a generally respected judiciary. Some don’t trust the judiciary either.

So in the coming seven years, God, establish credibility. Grant sequential elections that reflect the people’s will.

The same in all institutions, God. The same in all bureaucracy. Honest conduct and honest outcome.

Establish the supervision necessary to keep wayward ambition in line. 

Prepare the hearts proper to make it all superfluous. 

It is never too early, God, but it needs a plan. May this one work.

Amen.

Addendum: 26 soldiers were killed in an attack on a checkpoint in Rafah, northern Sinai. God, have mercy on their souls, and eliminate terror. Give the nation a healthy resolve.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Fuel Subsidy

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God,

It was approved earlier, but implemented now. It was expected before, but now felt in pocket.

It was to come, and more is coming.

The fuel subsidy was slashed, with some products doubling in price.

It hits the middle class and their fleet of automobiles. It hits the lower class with microbuses and gas bottles. The rich can take it, but it hurts them too.

All for the sake of the state budget.

Surely it is necessary, some say. Deficits are a debilitating reality and the IMF urges reform.

Surely there are alternatives, others say. The people are already poor.

The government doubled the discounted allotment for essential goods on the ration cards, to help.

A functional, efficient economy would help even more.

God, whatever the wisdom in subsidy reduction, bring about the greater goal.

Help the poor to cope. Help the rich to share.

Help the nation right itself.

Give Egypt the advisors necessary to find the path forward. Give her the leadership necessary to do what must be done.

You have given new fields of natural gas. Speed the extraction. Refuel the nation.

Bring holistic recovery, God. From your grace, subsidize hope.

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Qatar Continues

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God,

Since last week there has been much written but little resolved. Qatar and the Gulf allies have traded accusations and attempted mediation. But now a line in the sand has been drawn.

A list of demands has been issued.

Egypt, joining Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and others, have given Qatar ten days to close al-Jazeera, reduce Iran ties, shutter a Turkey base, and end support for terrorist groups.

God, with many details behind closed doors, only you can sort out fully the right and the wrong. But amid charges of meddling over several years of frustration, this crisis may be approaching a critical moment.

Keep the peace. Promote consensus. Honor sovereignty. Reveal the truth.

The region needs good journalism, God. Provide for transparency and accountability in an independent media.

The region needs a spirit of unity, God. Help Arab brothers recognize joint challenges and cultivate wise policies.

The region needs respect for diversity, God. Allow conflicting interests and disparate peoples to find welcome.

The region needs less violence, God. End outside support for terrorist groups and reform poisonous ideology.

A line is in the sand, and you count every grain. Let wise heads prevail, and you know every hair.

The stars are in the sky, and you call them by name. Call also the faithful lights of regional politics, and bid them to peace.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Saudi Islands

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God,

Perhaps the story is over, perhaps the judiciary will still have a role. But two contested islands in the Red Sea have been ceded by Egypt to Saudi Arabia, after parliament ratified the president’s decision.

It was an unpopular vote; proponents insist it was the right one.

At issue is original ownership. Egypt has long administered the islands, but were they originally Saudi? Both sides have produced maps, documents, and other evidence to support their case.

And in the background is the role of Saudi Arabia in supporting Egypt. The president first announced the deal in conjunction with a massive Saudi aid and investment program. Many felt he ‘sold’ Egyptian land.

The Administrative Court sought to block the transfer, but parliament acted on its believed constitutional prerogative. The Constitutional Court has not yet spoken—it may or may not. If originally Saudi only parliament is necessary to ratify a foreign agreement. If originally Egyptian a national referendum is necessary.

God, sort out the complications. The islands are unpopulated, but strategic. And little is more valuable in Egyptian imagination than land.

If the vote to cede was genuine, then bless the courageous lawmakers for standing against the popular will. It is right to give back what belongs to another.

But opponents say the vote was manipulated by government pressure. If so then bless the courageous lawmakers for calling it out. It is right to resist machinations of power.

But was the vote right, God? You know. Bless Egypt whether yes or no, but bless her differently. Through rebuke or commendation, guide her to the right and good.

All land is yours, God. All souls belong to you. All peoples reflect your handiwork.

Determine the exact lines of the places you would have them. Your greater story is not yet over. Within it is Egypt, and may all end well.

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Qatar

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God,

The Gulf has had enough. So has Egypt. So have others. Some hedge their bets. Some play both sides.

But it is a crisis, God. The tiny nation has been called out for supporting terrorism, within a region that is full of it, but usually sticks to innuendo. It also happens to host the largest US military base in the Middle East.

And the damage is far beyond diplomacy. A blockade is established on all entry and exit. The only airspace is through Iran.

Qatar is rich, and can ride out the damage. But for how long, and at what cost? What can bring resolution, in a culture bound by honor? In the eyes of many, Qatar has forfeited it.

But you know, God. Dangerous and deadly games are played in the region, by someone. Even the public rivalries are contentious, in media.

You value unity, God. At some level it is right for the region to maintain it.

You value diversity, God. At some level each nation must find its own way.

But you deplore duplicity, God. Many accuse in mutual recrimination.

And you deplore savagery, God. Many suffer in targeted destabilization.

Settle the region and every nation. Preserve sovereignty and good will. Promote peace and economic balance.

Hold accountable. If some are guilty let your judgment be true.

But all are guilty. Let your justice redeem.

God, the people have had enough. Have you? Do we witness your retribution, or more manipulation?

Put things right, God, on all sides. Honor Qatar. Honor all.

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Continuation

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God,

To some degree, dramatic events were more of the same. For good or for ill, some may well carry forward, some must irrevocably stop. Judge rightly, God, and guide Egypt to your judgment.

Coptic families were gunned down on an outing to a monastery.

Websites were blocked in a dispute over content and orientation.

An NGO law was ratified establishing greater government oversight.

Each is a continuation.

The massacre is the fourth in five months, forgetting not the 2013 church attacks following the Rabaa dispersal, the 2011 Maspero incident, and the 2010 New Year’s Eve bombing.

After Morsi’s removal a number of Islamist media networks were shut down.

After Mubarak’s resignation a number of NGOs were raided amid ongoing investigations.

The difference of opinion ranges from minimal to severe. God, fill in and close the gaps.

Only the most hardened justify the ambush in Minya. But some suggest Copts somehow are reaping the consequence of their political stances.

The websites in question were not shy to be critical. Some are said to be funded by Islamist-friendly nations, others are said to be independent.

Many Egyptians believe the upheavals of the past few years gestated through foreign NGOs. Some call the law draconian; some call it necessary.

How then to pray?

Sanctify life in the eyes of all. Make none a pawn in political games.

Foster free and responsible media. Let true information circulate widely.

Protect the people from/through NGOs. Help government partner with civil society.

God, Egypt is troubled and needs your support. For good or for ill, old patterns continue.

Carry forward your blessing. Stop irrevocably the plague.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Old Things

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God, 

So much in Egypt is old. Some gets preserved. Some gets restored. 

All is its heritage. Honor and judge appropriately.  

Over the past few weeks many Pharaonic artefacts have been discovered. Mummies, statues, funerary cartouches.

Let Egypt celebrate, God, and the world with her. Some are inspiring, some are mishandled. Help archaeology support the understanding of history. Help tourism support the suffering economy.

Over the past several weeks many Mubarak-era figures have been highlighted. Businessmen, ministers, political operatives.

Let Egypt reflect, God, and the judiciary with her. Some have reconciled, some have fled. Help the people understand this era properly. Help justice come where it is due.

God, may Egypt honor her past and her elders. Yet at the same time you make all things new. 

From generation to generation, from millennia to millennia, help her find her way. 

Preserve her peace. Restore her faith. May she honor you. 

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Azhar Blasphemy

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God,

The Azhar defends Islam. The state defends the law. You defend your name.

Together, may Egypt find its way.

The grand imam fired the Azhar University president for calling a prominent critic an infidel.

The minister of endowments censured a preacher for calling Christians unbelievers.

The critic had been convicted of blasphemy, later pardoned. The preacher is now sued the same.

It has often been that critics or Christians are charged if offending the sensibilities of Muslims. Are these reversals a sign of equality?

Or is the blasphemy law offensive itself?

Different Egyptians view it differently, God. In lieu of consensus, defend.

Defend the Azhar from unwarranted charges. Empower its reform and right interpretation of Islam.

Defend the state from manipulative agendas. Empower its enforcement and right crafting of law.

Defend your name from vain incantations. Empower the life that comes through right fear.

Where it is right for men to assist, give equity and humility.

Where it is right for men to argue, give insight and patience.

Where there is blasphemy, guide rightly. Blasphemer and society alike.

Defend your name, God, that you may be made known. Honor those dedicated to what it rightly entails.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Judges, Tribes

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God,

Two feuds escalated this week. One reached a preliminary conclusion, the other a concerning jolt. It may not be proper to pray mend the fences, but rather in wisdom to put all things right.

After months of debate and clear judicial opposition, the president signed a parliament-ratified bill to select the chief judge of major courts from three nominations. Viewed as anti-constitutional interference and a blow to seniority, it is nonetheless law, pending further developments.

After months of tense but nonmilitant local opposition, the Islamic State struck against a major tribe in Sinai. Recriminations followed, and the fight is threatening to move beyond the licensed violence of army and police and involve the well-armed Bedouins.

God, politics is often contentious. Ensure efficiency in policy. Define limitations of power. Where there is manipulation, cause it to cease. Where there is exaggeration, cause it to settle.

In the effort to strengthen both state and society, give wisdom. Give humility.

God, violence is often compounding. Empty the Sinai of terrorism. Rebuild the region in hope. Where there is insult, curb retribution. Where there is injury, increase resolve.

In the effort to defeat the Islamic State, give wisdom. Give clarity.

All men are brothers, God, and it is not right to feud. But perhaps a fight is sometimes necessary. Settle scores quickly, and justly. Limit escalation, mend fences.

Put all things right, God. Put Egypt right.

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Pope

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God,

The pope is here. Of course, Egypt already has a pope. But this one is different.

To most Egyptian Christians he is not. In the ancient world Rome and Alexandria were equals. But since then the Tiber has far eclipsed the Nile.

God, to you your church is one. Give humility to one and all, a spirit of brotherhood between servants of servants.

For joining them also is the heir of Constantinople. As the visible symbols of Christianity convene, fix their eyes on you the invisible. Give them wisdom for leading their flock. Give them encouragement for the small portion here.

Middle East Christians are under pressure, God. Evil men target them for death. Seductive dreams target them for immigration. Guide each one individually in the path you desire. But guide them together toward local flourishing.

For the sake of your name, God. For the sake of their peoples.

For with the three symbols is a powerful fourth. The Grand Sheikh of al-Azhar unites most of the world’s Muslims. He is the host, and their partner in peace.

May it be so, God. Certain forces wish to pit one religion against the other.

Some say it comes from texts. Some say it comes from power. Some say it comes from the devil.

Regardless, they say it should not be.

Strengthen their voice and witness, God. Unite them in purpose and friendship. May those who follow them follow their example. And with them, all peoples and nations beside.

For it is the state, God, with power to implement. Guide all who bear your sword, to wield it rightly.

And through men like these four, but only in accordance with your spirit and truth, may they hear from you.

The pope is here, God. May your peace come with him. May things thereafter be different.

Amen.

 

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Current Events

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Aya, Easter

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God,

Easter passed peacefully, but not Egypt. Though there were no troubles on the holiday, others sandwiched.

A few days earlier Copts praying in a village were pelted with stones, as police looked on. A few days later terrorism struck at St. Catherine’s Monastery in the southern Sinai, as police responded.

One officer died, a few others were injured.

God, protect the nation. Protect her churches. Protect her people. Protect her police.

The disturbing fact in the latest incident was the reach of ISIS to the south. Cells have perpetrated terrorism in various places on the mainland, but it was believed the group had no presence save northern Sinai.

So hem them in, God, and squeeze. Aid the security forces. Grant bravery, justice, and fidelity to law.

It was law also that settled justice for Aya Hegazi, a dual Egyptian-American citizen. After three brave years in pretrial detention, the court ruled against charges filed. She and her husbanded had opened a children’s center, and were accused of exploitation.

President Trump claimed intervention, and flew her home before meeting at the White House.

God, protect the judiciary. Protect its independence. Protect civil society. Protect its people.

If Aya was innocent, how many others? In a congested legal system give all their day in court, in fidelity to the constitution. As Egypt responds to the pressures against her, help her hold to the right and the true.

So steady her institutions, God, and strengthen. Aid the social entrepreneurs. Grant creativity, license, and fidelity to law.

Whether religion, state, or society, give stability and peace. Too many make trouble. Root out, vindicate.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Palm Sunday

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God,

Easter is coming. May it be safe for Egyptian Christians.

Sunday is coming, and Monday after that, and Tuesday… May it be safe for Egyptians.

Forty-five people are dead after twin suicide bombings at churches on the start of Holy Week. Among them are Muslims, though only one faith was targeted.

This time. Some attacks have targeted Muslims of particular ilk. Many have targeted police, army, and other men of state.

But the nation responded as if it was an attack on national unity, and so should the prayer follow.

Bless the Christian martyrs, God, yes. Bless the Egyptian dead.

And may this prayer be echoed in the hearts of Egyptians nationwide.

It is too little to pray hold the nation together, for it does not show signs of being torn asunder.

But national unity is a slogan that is neither empty nor full. It is a reality, yet still an aspiration.

So bring together Muslim and Christian in the aftermath, and help them to know each other. Let this be a mark that undoes terrorist intention.

Yet what is the fullness of the aspiration? Citizenship? Protection? Accommodation? God, there are differing visions among different Egyptians.

Let them come together, and let them discuss. Let them bare their hearts and find your way.

Respect. Honor. Justice. Peace. Love.

There are those who actively work against these, God. Silence them. Redeem them. But put their ideas to rest. Too much exists even on the margins, seeping ever closer to the mainstream.

Until then, defend.

Equip the government to ensure both security and rights. Alert the people to threats both tangible and notional. Uplift society to immunize with both economy and education.

And above all, through the fear of God and the bond of humanity.

On the day of the bombs your Messiah was lauded. If Egypt must follow him in suffering provide also his triumph.

Give new life to the troubled soul.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Bread and Entry

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God,

Facing a severe decline in tourism, Egypt doubles the entry fee.

Facing corruption in the bread market, Egypt scales back supply.

Both decisions can be seen as sensible, God, but outcry is loud and execution haphazard. Give wisdom for right policy.

Immediately the government postponed the visa price hike, and hints a final decision has not been made.

Immediately the government distributed thousands of smart cards, to better document the citizen ration.

The tourism sector protested, and the government responded. The lower class demonstrated, and the government acted.

But God, aid in better pre-consultation. Widen the circles of policy discussion that all stakeholders might first come to consensus.

And aid in better administration. Wise projects poorly implemented can sometimes double disorder.

May tourists come. May people eat.

Open the gate that leads to peace; supply the bread that leads to life.

God, preserve Egypt as she finds her way.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Blind Threat

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God,

As one era passes, another begins. One died, and then two others. There is no connection, save a pernicious idea.

Defeat it, God, and save the people – target and targetter alike.

Far away in America, the Blind Sheikh passed away after many years of incarceration. Linked to terrorism in the first World Trade Center bombing, the Sadat assassination, and the plundering of Copts, he was the beloved spiritual guide of the Islamic Group.

Egypt received his body and permitted a gathering at his funeral.

Far away in Sinai, two Copts were murdered by the Islamic State. A father shot, his son burned alive. A video was issued calling for many more.

Egypt continues its assault against them.

Many years ago she subdued the Blind Sheikh’s disciples; God, as the idea morphs further grant success again.

But the cost is so high. Win their hearts and dry their ground.

Perhaps the funeral helped?

Some chafed, God, that people would celebrate one deemed a criminal. Others nodded at respect for the dead.

Egypt offered dignity to his family, God. Preserve her dignity in turn.

But strengthen her also in the dignity of her citizens, especially the threatened, neglected, and disadvantaged among them.

God, may this new era be short. May the old era be remembered. Long forgotten let be the idea.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Divorce and Authority

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God,

You know best the worth of a woman. You know what is timeless, you know what is cultural.

Help Egypt to know as you do, and act accordingly.

Troubled by rising divorce rates, the president pushed for reform. Hoping a standardized process might curb rash decisions, he asked administrative witness and registration be made mandatory.

But the top religious authority ruled against it. Islamic law permits a woman to be divorced orally, with no witnesses. Registration is advisable that the woman might know her rights. But even at the moment of divorce, neither her consent nor presence are required.

God, you know if this ruling accords with Islam as you intend it. But all agree on the importance of family. Preserve and strengthen this core unit of society. Protect and enable the woman within it.

What is her best role, God? What are her firm rights? Where lie her responsibilities?

Likely unrelated but unmistakably poignant, not long thereafter the president appointed Egypt’s first female governor.

God, you know if this authority accords with Islam as you intend it. To date there has been no noticeable religious criticism. But her governorate is known for Muslim interpretation that limits the public leadership of women.

Bless her in her role, her rights, and her responsibilities.

Bless the president as he seeks to honor women and challenge religious conservatism.

Bless religious conservatives, as they seek to honor you and women according to conscience.

Bless Egypt, that she would find your way amid interpretations.

And bless the Egyptian woman, wherever she is to be found.

Amen.

 

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Falling Short

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God,

Egypt was almost happy. Perhaps she was a little. The national soccer team came close to reclaiming its heritage as ‘best in Africa’, but fell short in the final.

But so also seemed many of Egypt’s actors this week, for good or for ill.

A women’s labor strike at a textile factory abandoned the effort. Pushing for unpaid bonuses they thought the law mandated, they succumbed either to pressure or better information, depending on the source.

But a pharmacists’ strike was called off after seeming success. The minister of health agreed to their demands to ensure profits and secure medicines. Still, princes increase.

And accusations in parliament raise ire but fail to settle. Tales and explanations of corruption and foreign meddling sully the whole, but none yet succeeded in seizing the upper hand.

Even a terrorist could not complete the task. Allegedly aiming to mar the treasures of the Louvre in protest of Syria, the knife-wielding Egyptian was subdued while attacking the guards at the entrance.

God, each event is complex and begs for your wisdom. Each actor the same and subject to your judgment. Of both Egypt stands in need of discernment.

Give good wages. Protect investments. Supply medications. Settle disputes.

Cover no corruption. Allow no defacement. Draft laws. Save Syria.

God, honor the soccer team in their success. Honor the actors who similarly strive.

You are pleased by integrity more than result. But where Egypt is close, and within your will, give her success.

She has fallen often these past few years. Soon may she stand, tall and righteous.

Amen.