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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Quiet Revolution

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God,

January 25, 2011 was a momentous event. But if the president hadn’t said something, in 2017 Egypt might hardly have noticed.

It was a turning point in history, he declared, though it brought on many troubles. But he praised the people and the martyrs, giving assurance Egypt is on the right path.

May it be so, God. But the day itself passed quietly. Maybe that is good news?

Unlike previous years there were no demonstrations, no celebrations, no clampdowns. The metro at Tahrir closed, but it seemed more out of habit.

There are some who would like to erase the memory altogether, God. There are others who want to cling to it. The history is still complicated, contested between parties.

Help Egypt remember correctly. Help her celebrate where honorable, help her repent where necessary.

Help her discern the wide spectrum in between.

And help her move forward, God. The issues of the day are no less serious. Perhaps they are more so. There is much to repair, much to rebuild.

Economy. Institutions. Trust.

God, bless the nation and her people. Provide for her needs, strengthen her loins.

Give her peace and prosperity. Give her justice and sovereignty.

Give her a right understanding of herself, of her revolution, and of you.

Keep her on the right path, no matter the troubles. Momentous, but quiet.

Amen.

 

 

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Red Sea Verdict

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God,

The court has spoken, and the land is Egyptian. Perhaps.

Months ago the president and the Saudi king concluded an agreement that included return of sovereignty over two small islands in the Red Sea. Opponents called it an illegal transfer, as Egyptians died in war defending their home soil.

This week the High Administrative Court sided with opponents. The Supreme Constitutional Court may yet have a say, but the immediate question is parliament.

The speaker says they will proceed with discussion and vote anyway, with many backing the president. Other members say this is would be a violation. Another legal dispute may yet be pending.

Several rejoiced, others groaned, and some fear. What does it mean when branches of government are at odds with themselves? Normal balance of power in some systems, in Egypt discord can be threatening.

God, resolve and normalize. Settle the issue of ownership, and buttress the role of each branch.

Let there be confidence in the judiciary. Let there be representation in the parliament. Let there be leadership in the executive.

Together, and in conflict, help them know and serve their land.

Amen.

 

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Law, Left and Letter

Flag Cross QuranGod,

The law carries many meanings, but among them is license. Neither state nor citizen may act as they wish; the law – in principle – standardizes behavior.

In Egypt, two laws in particular are illustrative. God, may the proper lessons be both learned and applied.

Several weeks ago the parliament passed a controversial draft law regulating civil society. It was panned even by the government, but sent to the president to sign or return for further discussion. Yet with no comment at all and the mandated period elapsed, many wonder where is the law? Is the president stalling? Was it given to him at all?

God, the law itself is worthy of prayer, and the effect it will have on civil society. You know the importance of the sector; you know the dangers of manipulation.

Whether or not the current draft is optimal, guide Egypt to the balance necessary.

But guide Egypt also to a law. Help her institutions to function properly, and transparently. May the mechanisms of government mesh with the will of the people and the wisdom of experience, from home and abroad.

The struggle therein is good and healthy, God. At least it can be so. Bless Egypt with a winsome fight.

Meanwhile the protest law is contested to the letter. Recently ruled upon by the Supreme Court, protest is allowed with proper notification, not permission.

A group opposed to ceding two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia followed proper procedure, and then did the state. A judicial ruling denied access to the preferred location. The legal and political struggle continues.

God, the issue itself is worthy of prayer, and the effect it will have on both map and relations. You know the owner of the land; you know the stakes involved.

Whether or not this protest is worthy, guide Egypt to the balance necessary.

But guide Egypt also to an understanding. Help her to promote the rights of expression, and to regulate them properly. May the freedom of the individual mesh with the duties of society and the wisdom of experience, from home and abroad.

The balance therein is fundamental and foundational, God. At least it should be so. Bless Egypt with a worthy consensus.

There is a constitution, God. There are laws. There are laws emerging. There is reform. Set Egypt’s path straight in all navigation.

And in her behavior, regulate and license in the light of your word. May it, to all, be illustrative.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Christmas, Safe and Suicide

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God,

There were two disturbing deaths in Egypt this week, but in perverse praise, at least they were individual.

Coptic Christmas passed safely. Two weeks ago a suicide bomber killed 28 worshippers near the papal cathedral, raising fears of holiday carnage.

God, thank you for the necessary security. Hasten the day it will not be required.

Help the president join you in making it so. For the third year running he visited the pope during Christmas celebrations, the first head-of-state ever to do so even once.

May this example spread to the people. May it encourage the many who need not the impetus. May it cower the few who by it are enraged.

Facts and motivations are not yet clear, God, but it appears one of these few slit the throat of a Coptic shop owner. A ‘bearded man’ was offended by the alcohol business, and took his understanding of sharia into his own hands.

Bring justice in the case, God, and may the president’s example spread beyond the holiday. May all crimes be prosecuted equally. May rule of law and citizenship be established.

And may the suicide of this week, in perverse hope, raise fears in the culture of corruption.

A high official in the judicial system hung himself in custody. He and others were charged with accepting bribes and profiting millions.

God, comfort his family. Have mercy on his soul. But if indeed he was guilty, follow relentlessly those of his ilk.

Stamp out corruption through proper investigation. Narrow its odds through judicious transparency. Let the examples that remain, in perverse relief, be individual.

Save Egypt from the systemic in all but peace and goodwill toward men. God, through the coming year may she be safe.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Corruption, Resolution

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God,

As Egypt made one statement, it deferred on another. May wisdom couple with pragmatism, but only where is right.

An official at one of the nation’s highest courts was exposed for taking bribes. As his case was paraded in the media, the extent of corruption is not yet clear.

But the president took occasion to renew the call to clean the system, asking that all be held accountable.

May it be so, God. Establish the systems necessary to create the fear of stepping out of line. And in conjunction, develop the integrity necessary that it might not be considered.

In process, move anti-corruption efforts from the spectacular to the mundane. Equip a cadre to ferret out irregularity. Expand their influence to change a culture.

And protect them, God. From without, from any enemies created. From within, from the enemy of the soul. How easily they themselves could be corrupted. How easily their work might manipulate in turn.

So as Egypt reaches out to assist those troubled by the economy, may it reach the needy at every level.

Support has been extended not only to the poor, but to struggling tourism facilities in need of renovation and to import-dependent businesses in fear of bankruptcy.

Meanwhile internationally, it is Egypt who stands in need of support. Keep her honorable in the pursuit thereof.

After raising a resolution at the UN against Israeli settlements, Egypt withdrew it in deference to Trump. She later voted in favor of a multi-national resolution she did not join in sponsoring.

Some say she buckled in support of the more needy Palestinians. Others say she brokered favor with the strong while not abandoning a principle.

God, decipher motivation and judge accordingly. But help Egypt to be true, and support her if she is.

For Egypt has also taken complicating positions toward Syria and Yemen. She dances with Saudi as the disputed Red Sea islands remain in court. She must resolve tourism issues with Russia and Britain. America gives millions in military aid; Israel is essential in border control.

God, give Egypt resolution. Free her from corruption.

Help her to wade through troubled waters with her head held high, with the confidence that comes only from uprightness.

Wisdom, God. Pragmatism, too. Peace, justice, prosperity. May they come in their fullness, and soon.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: More Money

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God,

Egypt’s economy is still not doing well. But at least she has more money to play with. May she play wisely.

The second tranche of the World Bank loan was received, along with another installment from the African Development Bank. Together they represent well over a billion dollars.

Egypt has many outstanding debts to pay. She has a budget to meet. She has poor mouths to feed.

But she also has jobs to create, projects to complete, and infrastructure to repair.

God, help this money stimulate the economy. May it stabilize the pound and spark new investment. May it give breathing room for necessary reform.

But these loans also must be repaid. From now until then, fill Egypt’s coffers from the sweat of her own brow. Restore tourism. Develop the canal.

End corruption.

God, international lenders have confidence in Egypt. Help her to be worthy. Help her nourish a society that can put it to good use. May competition, quality, and capital flourish.

Otherwise, more money risks being the root of more evil.

Money is a great blessing, God. With it may Egypt bless many beside. Care for her people, and help them to prosper.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Cathedral Bombing

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God,

If the video is authentic, the suicide bomber strolled into the church grounds. Reports say the guards were distracted, perhaps having breakfast together.

A church doorman followed him to inquire. Seconds later – the bomber likely ran though the near door leading to the women’s entrance – the roof and outside wall shook. Twenty-five people were dead.

There are many to pray for, God. Perhaps we can start with those least among them.

It is not ours to pray for the bomber, God. But the victims can if they are able and willing: Do not count this sin against him.

Is the doorman still alive? Comfort him in what he was unable to stop. Surely he is torn apart internally, weeping over those torn apart literally.

He did what he could, God. It was not enough. Maybe in hurrying the bomber he stopped greater carnage? Make him content in the not-knowing. Make him aware of your great love for him even so.

Comfort also the guards in what they were negligent to stop. How condemning is their guilt? How scarring is their shame? They failed, God, and the consequences were immense.

Hold them accountable before the law. But let them first weep in recognition of their crime. Heal them in it, and draw from them repentance.

And neither is this for us to pray, God. But the victims can if they are able and willing: Let them experience the forgiveness of those they wronged.

Whether it comes or not, make them aware of your great love for them also.

God, there are those who smirk, even rejoice in this atrocity. There are those who helped plan it and threaten more. Pierce the conscience of the former in powerful contrition. Pierce the conspiring of the latter in rapid arrest.

The wicked laugh and plot, God. Bring them to failure, then bring them to yourself. Make them aware of your great love for those they hate, a love that draws them in as well.

We mention the victims, and many have prayed for them already. Add these thoughts to their ledger, and forgive us for presuming an ideal upon them.

Comfort them, God. Strengthen them. Illumine them. Indwell them. And may they be for our sake a fulfillment of your best ideal.

May your mercy flow through them.

In this, may they know your great love. May they know you, love itself.

Have patience with them God, and with the many who are angry. Be with them as they rend their clothes in rage and mourning. In it rend their hearts.

Give them others to weep with. Give them healing in their trauma. Give them good memories of their loved ones, to eventually smile.

God, in this horror transform Egypt. Make her a place of welcome for all her people. Make her strong, and make her soft. Help her stand. Help her kneel.

Help her know of your great love. Help the murdered rest in peace.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Internal Organs

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God,

Inflation hit a high of 20 percent this month. Egyptians are suffering as the state seeks to stop years of internal bleeding.

But the response of some only does more damage – to themselves and the country. Egypt this week arrested a ring of doctors involved in the illegal trafficking of organs, attached even to prominent hospitals and medical schools.

Poverty has driven some to desperation. Greed has driven others to exploit them.

God, thank you for exposing this circle, and may it lead to finding others. Protect the integrity of the medical profession, upon which so much depends.

But protect also the integrity of the citizen, to live within a healthy means. Too many are adversely affected by the economy, no matter how necessary the reforms.

And in this, God, protect the integrity of the state. Give wisdom to balance the needs of the budget with the needs of the poor and middle class. May none grow rich on the sufferings of others.

In the end, God—and may it be soon—ensure these days strengthen the organs of Egypt. A society free from corruption. An economy free for enterprise.

And a people free to develop their nation. God, gird the loins of Egypt; bring her to peace and prosperity.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: NGO Medicine

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God,

As with all people, sometimes society falls sick. Help Egypt restore herself to health.

But first, the people need medicine. Since the floating of the Egyptian pound essential drugs have been hard to come by. The price of imported raw materials nearly doubled overnight, while a cap is placed on consumer prices.

Drug manufacturers are pinched, and the sick suffer.

God, help Egypt find an equilibrium. So many interests, so many sectors to balance. Give foresight to anticipate coming struggles, and discernment to solve those of the present.

But another present problem is the role of civil society. Some see foreign money pursuing its own agenda. Some see government seeking to restrict the whole.

God, weigh motivations and inspire good policy. Many abroad just want to help. Others may intend discord. Many in government just want to protect. Others may intend control.

Sort and shuffle, God. Place good men in position to judge. Bring honest brokers to the task of implementation. Populate civil society with Egyptians who love their country. Populate government with people of wisdom.

Heal, God. There are long-suffered wounds and nurtured mistrust. The health of society is at stake, and the needed medicine is in your presence.

Lend it liberally, God. You are the great physician.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Turf

 

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God,

Men will always defend their turf. But doing so can shake the whole.

Make Egypt more than the sum of her parts. Being her together in consensus with all.

The state has proposed an agricultural investment project in the underdeveloped areas of the south.

But doing so sells off the land of the marginalized Nubians. Displaced by construction of the High Dam, the constitution guarantees their right of return.

They now protest against further loss of turf.

The state is prosecuting violations of the protest law, among them journalists who demonstrated against the ceding of two Red Sea islands.

They took refuge in their syndicate, which was eventually stormed by police.

Now the head of the syndicate is also arrested, and the general body is studying how best to protect their turf.

The state has imprisoned many Brotherhood members for participation in violence and betrayal of the nation. Court cases resulted in rapid convictions, some of which have been confirmed.

But higher courts have overturned others, ordering a retrial. The Brotherhood struggles to fight for survival. But the judiciary also has its own turf.

God, guide Egypt in each issue.

Develop the economy, in cooperation with the people. Ensure necessary stability, with guarantee of rights. Weigh justice judicially, with due process on every charge.

Bless those who strive honestly for all they believe to be their right. But guard against partisanship and selfish insistence.

Bless those who struggle in defense of their kin. But temper the strong who may press upon the small.

Make Egypt united in support of her turf.

But remind Egypt also that all turf is yours.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Pardon

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God,

Eighty-two Egyptian youth are free today. Some say they never should have been imprisoned to begin with.

The majority were convicted for breaking the protest law. Some were guilty of thought-related crimes.

All had exhausted their legal appeals. Some had only a little time left on their sentence.

God, thank you for freedom, theirs and ours. May these youths use it well.

Guard them against bitterness, frustration, and revenge. Give them a proper understanding of justice, toward themselves and the state.

May they act accordingly. May they be stronger for this experience. May they honor you and the Egyptian people in all that is to come.

Bless the activists, God. Bless them with wisdom to add to their zeal. Bless the country with patience, and discernment in listening.

Their release stems from an initiative of the president to reengage youth. Parliament has contributed, as has the National Council for Human Rights.

But consider also those youth who were not released, God. Some were convicted of more serious crimes. Others may feel overlooked and abandoned, perhaps even targeted.

If mistakes were made, God, may they be corrected. If there was injustice, hold the wrongdoers accountable.

But move Egypt forward, with all of her youth. No nation can leave them behind and survive.

And no nation can thrive without freedom and responsibility. Give both in abundance, and may Egypt prove faithful.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Trumping Protest

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God,

Bless the president-to-be of the United States of America. May he govern wisely. May he engage Egypt well.

But though many are troubled in America at his arrival, many in Egypt welcome his opposition to the Brotherhood and his favor expressed toward Sisi.

And he comes at a moment when many in Egypt are troubled. An inflationary economy. A protest threatened.

A protest fizzled. A few answered mostly anonymous calls to fill the squares and overthrow the government. They were quickly subdued.

Among political forces only the Brotherhood endorsed the effort. The streets fell silent, save for the bustle of those who went about their business.

Issues remain, God, though an IMF cash infusion has been approved. May it begin to restore equilibrium, starting with those who need it most.

Until then, God, help many make due. Give them voice, that they might help shape policy.

And give wisdom to Trump, by whom so many in the world will now be affected. May America, and Egypt, to all be a blessing.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: November Float

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God,

Egypt finally took the plunge. After years of spending hard currency to support the pound, the Central Bank decided to float it against the dollar. Economists rejoiced, IMF authorities nodded, and an already inflationary local market braced for another blow.

Society, meanwhile, braces for planned protests on November 11. No one is certain if they will happen or not, but the mysterious originators – with some Brotherhood connections – call for an uprising over skyrocketing prices.

God, bless the government for taking a hard decision. Wisdom was asked by many on their behalf; may it be that it this the right one.

Now, with a plan in place, help the country see it through to completion. Food subsidies to the poor are being increased. Discounted essentials are being distributed.

It is a stop-gap, God. But it may be necessary. Help the poor to pass through these troubles. Help the middle class to simplify and save. Help the rich to be liberal in generosity.

And for the further reforms called for, refine bureaucracy and curb corruption. Bolster education and inspire entrepreneurship.

Confidence, God. In self, others, and you. Restore it to Egypt. Perhaps grant it fresh. Little can happen without trust in the system. Faithfulness, God. To you and to conscience.

For within such hope there must be place to protest. A healthy society needs dissenting voices. Judge those of this call, if they purpose destruction. Channel frustration into healthy expression.

But may legitimate grievances be heard. May neglected ideas receive due consideration. May dissonance gel into consensus.

The pound is weaker, God, but perhaps it is stable. Maybe the economy is similar? Strengthen all, for the sake of all.

A rising tide will float all boats. May November mark the end of ebb.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Youth

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God,

How shall a young man cleanse his … country? Two paths were open for Egypt’s youth this week, invited to a national youth conference sponsored by the president.

One group decided to attend, to make their voice heard. Another thought their voice would be louder in boycott. God, bless them both.

Those present heard of plans to train and incorporate them in the political path. A committee was mandated to revise the protest law and release the nonviolent from prison. And the president promised to remain with them in monthly dialogue.

Those absent spoke harshly of political theater. They condemned ongoing detentions. And in a recent poll, their majority said if elections were today they would not vote to reelect the president.

It matters not their political preference, God. But their political participation is crucial. The nation needs buy-in from all its citizens. Many of the young have instead opted-out.

God, guide the government in sincere reengagement. Guide the youth in setting their terms. And in the diversity of response, find consensus.

Give the young a spirit of respect. Help the aged to respond in humility. Give the young a freshness of vision. Help the aged to adapt and amend.

Together, God, may they strengthen Egypt. By taking heed thereto according to … each other.

In their way, by thy word, with whole heart may they seek you, and in your commandments find Egypt’s best.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Prices

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God,

For many in Egypt these are difficult days. Taxes are increasing, subsidies are reducing, the pound is depreciating, and prices are rising.

And as many fear worse is to come, people are hoarding. Basic commodities are disappearing. Some are smuggling, others siphoning.

The government is reacting. The military is supplying. The economy is sliding. Many are worrying.

God, your wisdom is needed. Help the ministers set proper policy. Help the international community know how to assist. Help the consumers distinguish their wants from their needs.

Help the people budget. Help their budgets stretch.

Help the police weed out corruption. Help the nation eliminate waste. Help tourists return. Help investment simplify.

There are many things wrong that need fixing, God. Lend your aid, and may Egypt listen. The root cause, the surface trouble, and everything in between—set things right.

Bless Egypt, God. May prices hold, and her people rise.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Assassination, Funeral

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God,

Egypt witnessed a frightful return, disturbing a relative quiet. The pattern subsided but not that long ago was a viable threat. May it not be a portent of things to come.

A car bomb detonated in an upper class neighborhood, injuring one bystander but missing the deputy prosecutor-general. Fifteen months ago, his positional superior was assassinated by similar means.

God, thank you for the escape. But the signs that such men continue to nurse their grudges through violence is a disturbing development. After a year of many targeted killings, Egypt outside of Sinai has successfully enforced an extended period of calm.

May the culprits be caught, God. May those behind them be exposed and disabled. May any legitimate grievances find peaceful solution, and may justice be extended to all.

For grievances are also finding expression in the funeral of former Israeli president Shimon Peres. Egypt’s foreign minister will attend as a representative of the state. But others are critical of paying homage to a man they deemed oppressive of Palestinians.

God, give both peace and justice to the peoples of this world. In Egypt in particular, help leaders and citizens alike to find the proper balance. It is right to honor the dead. It is right to review a legacy.

May truth prevail among hearts unhardened to humbly receive and boldly respond. May they rightly impact others too possessed by the pain of past grudges, justly held or otherwise.

May the victims of all conflicts rest in peace. May the living rest the same. Heal Egypt and the region, and save her from further harm.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Church and Loan

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God,

Long awaited items seem almost there. But almost to arrival is still a distance. Give wisdom in the final days of discussion.

Egypt’s Christians have long complained of difficulty in securing authorization to build churches. The new constitution mandated a law be passed by parliament in its first term to govern a better process. Behind the scenes negotiations between church and state near completion, and elected representatives appear ready to receive the draft law.

What they do with it is up to them.

God, for some this is a non-issue, for others it equates religious identity. Give courage and tact. Give conviction and empathy. Give consensus in line with your good will.

Perhaps your good will is more flexible in monetary policy, God, but help Egypt to find it in reference to the IMF. Staff level agreements have been finalized on a $12 billion loan and reform package. But political push and social acceptance may be lacking.

And some breathe a sigh of relief, finding neoliberalism and austerity programs to be the problem, not the solution. Others view it as a mark of international confidence and economic recovery, while a third are torn but resigned in the face of fiscal necessity.

Sort between them, God, for the sake of the nation. Set right the ship, that all may prosper. If the loan goes through, disperse it well. If not, revive the economy through better means.

And in all things, bless Egypt. Give peace and due process in religion; give sense and stewardship in economy.

No matter the distance, help all arrive together.

Amen.

 

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Normalizing Ties?

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God,

You desire good relations. But politics is often about particular interests, and sometimes relationships go sour. Sometimes they are damaged beyond repair. Perhaps in some cases, an outright break is necessary and best.

So with Israel, Turkey, and the Muslim Brotherhood, God, help Egypt arrange her affairs properly. Feelers have gone out that perhaps a thaw is in the offering.

Egypt has had longstanding peace with Israel, but it has usually been cold. Formal relations were handled by the intelligence and security sectors, but recently the foreign minister visited Tel Aviv.

Diplomatic relations carry more normalcy, which is controversial in Egypt. But use his effort to further peace between Israel and Palestine, God. And shape policies and attitudes among peoples, so that warm relations will be possible also with Cairo.

Turkey, also, has been mending fences with Israel, and Russia beside. Egyptian ties severed after Morsi was removed from power, and both sides continue to criticize each other.

But there are also hints that maybe things can change. Interests, justice, and legitimacies are sometimes hard to reconcile on the international stage, God. But Egypt and Turkey are regional powers; coordination is preferred to conflict.

God, may Egypt, Israel, and Turkey bless the region and the world. Much must change to experience your ideal. Forgive and be merciful when your ways are neglected.

At heart, this is a mark of the Egypt-Brotherhood relationship. Both sides accuse the other of bloody and traitorous conspiring. Though the Brotherhood is less than a nation, it is more than a person. And their members belong to Egypt, no matter the legitimacy or substance of mutual acrimony.

But does their ideology? God, give both sides great wisdom. Rule justly between them; may every crime find proper punishment.

Help member, group, government, and nation to come to terms. The issues are too disputed to pray simply for reconciliation, when some pray for retribution and others eradication. Many on both sides would see normalization as a terrible compromise, even a defeat.

Even so, it seems some are trying cautiously. If from good and righteous intention, God, bless them. Bless also those who from similar moral clarity are strident to apply justice.

Sideline those of selfish ambition, but for all others scrub away their every impurity. May good men lead the nation well.

Give Egypt discernment, God, at home and abroad. May all true ties be strengthened. May peace, in place of struggle, soon become normal.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Exam Leaks

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God,

Small scale protests have erupted again, this time over education. Students are angry over the leaking of answers to the national high school exam, as well as the threatened postponement until tests can be reformulated.

Both alleged leakers and demonstrators have been arrested, as several call for the resignation of the education minister. The president has vowed this oft-repeated scenario will not happen again.

God, to cheat is all too human. But good administration curbs bad morality. Help the government and schools design systems to ensure honest assessment. Hold responsible those who fail their charge along who those who deliberately thwart it.

And bless also the many students who conscientiously study.

All international indicators rank Egyptian education low, God. Reform is necessary in many sectors. Prepare for the nation a new generation of creative thinkers. Equip them through a new generation of creative educators.

Buoy them all in a new generation of upright citizens. There is a greater test awaiting them, God. May Egypt find your favor, and mercy.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Black Box Blasphemy

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God,

At least it has been found. And at least it has been tabled. Now, give wisdom to discern rightly and move forward.

After weeks deep in the Mediterranean, the black box from Egypt Air flight 804 has been recovered. It could take weeks more to extract the data, but at least the mystery nears resolution.

God, thank you that facts may soon be known. Brace Egypt to receive the results, whatever direction they point. Ensure full transparency, and restore confidence in tourism and aviation.

Meanwhile, members of parliament have put forward draft bills touching a different controversy. One seeks to cancel the blasphemy law, another to remove religion from the national ID.

Proponents argue them necessary for the sake of citizenship, that the identification and safeguard of religion risks discrimination and the violation of rights. Opponents fault not the law but the person, while amendment risks disturbance of social peace.

God, thank you that society may soon deliberate. Brace Egypt for the debate, and may all be civil. Help mosque and church and officials and lawmakers and citizens to find right consensus.

Honor the individual conscience. Honor the societal norms. Refine both to honor your will for Egypt, with humility for all who seek to define it.

May truth be found, God, whether underwater or under taboo. May it heal, may it lead to peace.

Amen.