Tag: Prayer

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Roadmap Concluding

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God,

It has been a long road, but it is almost over. But then the real journey begins.

Following the ouster of Morsi, Egypt has ratified a constitution, elected a president, and now stands ready to seat a parliament.

The end has not been easy, nor celebrated. Terrorists have killed candidates and assassinated judges. Turnout has been low.

Many still oppose the process. Many are disinterested. Many are more concerned over food and security. But millions have voted, finding either meaning or benefit.

Turn them all, God, to build their society. If the road has been paved, may they walk upon it.

For parliament in particular, may the final selections be worthy. May the whole represent the people, and hold accountable the government.

And with democratic institutions complete, may Egypt function democratically. May violence cease; may economy grow. May the people be free to run their country well.

God, in the months and years to come, give Egypt precious stability. Give her good governance. Give her a will to address root issues. Give her a hope of compounding success.

This journey, God, does not end. May the map forward be clear, and easier to follow.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Russia, Give and Take

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God,

Russia is a strange ally. The week begins with the declaration her airliner was brought down by a bomb. It ends with agreement to build a nuclear reactor.

Help Egypt in the back and forth. Negotiate the give and take.

Egypt is maintaining caution in making any pronouncements on terrorism, waiting until the commission concludes. Russia had been with them, then with the UK stopped the tourist flow.

Is it pressure politics or necessary precaution? Rebuke Egypt if she is playing games. Protect Egypt if others are.

But rebuild the tourist sector, God, and with it Egypt’s professional reputation. Help her standardize operations and keep all safe. Thwart those intent on causing her harm.

And may building a reactor result only in good.

God, honor Egypt with the energy she needs. With nuclear comes risk, and maybe temptation. All assurances are given that intentions are peaceful. There is so much to gain, so much to go wrong.

Keep Egypt safe from error. Guard against negligence. Handle waste. Hinder sabotage.

Between now and completion, make Egypt ready.

In relationship with Russia, may Egypt both benefit and avoid entanglement. In all international affairs, help her stay sovereign. Help her do right.

May Egypt neither give nor take, God. May she bless. May she experience your example, and imitate.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Media Mayhem

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Western press jumps on Egypt and local press scowls back.

A local anchor demands the president keep the state accountable gets herself suspended.

A local investigative journalist spends 48 hours in military detention.

A local media magnate has his assets frozen under a cocktail of unclear charges.

Western press paints a crisis and local press cries conspiracy.

Each case, God, deserves its own nuance. And each case reminds of the importance of journalism. Help Egypt, and the West, to get it right.

The press has power, let it be used for good. It shapes opinion, let it reveal reality. It shines a light, let it expose wrongdoing. It levels critique, let it hold all accountable.

It is part of society, let it be held accountable.

Honor competence. Hone professionalism. Foster freedom. Summon courage.

Fix the failings of media, that media might spur a fix for failures elsewhere.

Let it be a mirror. Let it be a magnifying glass. Let it be a microscope.

Let it unleash all appropriate mayhem. Let it corral all possible chaos.

God, bless Egypt with a pen that is sharper than the sword. May the word take hold, and make all well.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Probable Cause

Flag Cross QuranGod,

A week later, still not enough is known. What caused the Russian airliner to fall from the sky?

A joint Egyptian-Russian team has been studying debris and black boxes, but has yet to issue a final report.

But ISIS’s affiliate in the Sinai claimed – twice – that it brought down the plane, though it will withhold specifics until a time of its choosing.

And officials in the US and UK have stated that an onboard bomb is the most likely cause, garnished from intelligence gained in online chatter.

Since then tourists are being evacuated, airlines are changing flight paths, vacationers are being warned, and Egypt is growing angry. The damage to her tourist industry is immeasurable, already in a climate of economic stress.

God, make sense of it all soon.

May the truth be known. May precautions be taken. May all stay safe. May they vacation in peace.

But God, why are nations not cooperating? Are Egypt and Russia dragging their feet, afraid to confirm a terrorist act? Are the US and UK leaking suspicion for political pressure?

Comfort the families of those who have died. Facilitate the return of tourists who wish. Help experts share intel and information. Keep a bad situation from becoming worse.

God, responsible or not for this tragedy, root out the terrorism that claims and rejoices.

But God, settle everyone’s spirits. Let neither fear nor frustration influence sound judgment. Grant Egypt wisdom and leadership to guide through this crisis.

May all be known transparently. May all be safer in the end.

God, bless Egypt and all who visit.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Russia, Floods

Flag Cross QuranGod,

It is sad to pray that a tragedy will have resulted from negligence. It is sad to pray about negligence that helped produce a tragedy.

In the space of a week, God, Egypt witnessed both. May the former not have long term consequence. May the latter bring long term change.

A Russian tourist plane crashed in the Sinai on its return trip home. Scores are dead, including children, with rescue operations ongoing. Initial reports suggest technical problems with the airplane.

But the crash occurred near the focal point of Egypt’s terrorist activity. Soon it will be clear, but God, may all have been a tragic accident.

Either way, God, comfort the families. Rescue those still alive. And for the sake of Egypt and her economy, may vital Russian tourism not be scared away.

Only a few days earlier exceptional floods swept through the city of Alexandria. Torrential rainfall overwhelmed a drainage system ill equipped and unaccustomed. The governor resigned, though he had inquired about capabilities in advance. Several people died, damage is extensive.

God, comfort the families. But hold responsible the officials high and low who failed in due diligence. May this tragedy result in a city stronger in infrastructure. May it result in a nation unwilling to sweep problems under the rug.

And God, may it not take tragedy to spur Egypt to action. Grant Egypt stability, but lift her from lethargy.

As people fail to vote and candidates fail to inspire, instill in Egyptians a sense of deep personal responsibility. May they engender reform to hold the rest accountable.

And where there is only accident, God, help Egypt to rally. Spare her further suffering and may better days come.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Election, Exchange

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Low turnout. Salafis lose. Runoffs pending.

Pound devalues. Banker resigns. Policy changing?

Few words are needed to describe events of the week, God. As many return to a business-as-usual approach to politics, a crisis emerges in the currency of business.

So in short, give wisdom to the new central bank manager. He must manage depreciation to the dollar, prevent debilitating inflation, hold on to foreign reserves, stimulate international investment, and facilitate domestic imports.

Different sectors want different policies. Give him discernment for what is right, what will serve his nation.

And help voters do the same. After selecting candidates among dozens of names, most must return for a streamlined choice.

Inspire at least the same turnout, God. Perhaps more. Revive a sense of civic engagement. Renew a reality in its importance.

May the parliament to come build a sound foundation to represent the people. May the exchange rate to come settle at a level that provides stability and fairness.

Develop economy.

Grant agency.

God, bless Egypt in all her choices.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Election, Debt

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Very shortly Egypt will begin two long anticipated processes. She will vote to elect a parliament, and negotiate to secure a loan. The first aims to restore a democratic institution; the second a sound economy.

Bless both efforts, God. Whether virtue or vice brought Egypt to this stage, may wisdom lead her forward.

Seven electoral lists and hundreds of individuals will compete in polls that could stretch into December. They will be tasked first with review of all laws passed in parliament’s absence, and then work with the president and cabinet to supervise the nation’s agenda.

Candidates are diverse. Leftists, liberals, and a remnant of Islamists. Supporters of the old regime. Representatives of tribal and business interests. Some criticize the entire procedure as manufactured. Some celebrate it as the completion of a democratic path.

Some, it seems, view parliament as a burden. Some don’t seem to care at all.

God, whether flawed or noble, invest these elections with importance. Rally each citizen in support of civic duty. May they pursue their local interests. May they pursue their political principles. Inspire them to be involved in the right running of their nation.

May they choose able and honorable representatives.

And of the nation’s current representatives, give them discernment in economic policy.

Billion dollar loans have been mentioned by officials, sought through the World Bank and IMF. With low interest and long repayment, some see these as the solution to meet a budget deficit and win time for necessary reforms.

As the pound devalues and tourism and direct investment lag in adequate rebound, stability is needed. Such loans signal confidence from the international community, they also tie the nation to an economic agenda. Wise men debate these matters, and disagree.

Let the wisdom filter into public discourse, God. Let the people know the challenges before them. Let them work, save, and invest to win good life for their families. Let their collective efforts win good life for Egypt.

Let Egypt repay her debts and restore her economy.

God, may politicians owe their debt to the people. May they receive it in interest a hundred times over.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Regional Balance

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Help Egypt to honor her neighbors, near and far. Help her to satisfy commitments, repay debts, and work for peace.

Help her toward a wise and sovereign foreign policy.

Egypt is alive economically because of Saudi aid. Egypt supports their offensive in Yemen. Saudi Arabia desires the fall of Syria’s Assad. Egypt backs Russian strikes against Assad’s enemies.

Egypt appoints a culture minister who speaks against Wahhabism. Saudi welcomes a pro-Brotherhood luminary.

There are interests in international relations, God, but there are also principles. There is balance of power, but also use of power. Hard as it may be to determine, there is right and wrong.

Right is to honor neighbors. Right is to satisfy commitments. Right is to repay debts.

Right is to work for peace.

On Syria, Egypt has called for a political solution. Is this right, God? Has too much wrong been waged that might must impose from the outside?

God, find a peaceful solution. Too many have died. Too many have suffered. Too many are implicated.

There is compromise, God, but there is also hypocrisy. There is the lesser of evils, but also evil. Help Egypt, her neighbors, and the international community to conduct themselves rightly.

Bring balance to the region, God. Bring peace, justice, and stability. Bless Egypt with sovereignty. May she use it to bless others.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Statements Abroad

Flag Cross QuranGod,

At the United Nations and in interviews with Western press, President Sisi issued many positive statements. Egypt is improving its economy. Parliamentary elections are coming. Freedoms are being protected. Terrorism is being fought.

May it all be true.

Moreover, God, may it set an agenda. May the president’s rhetoric signal initiative to make it fully true. May it speak to ministers, officials, police, activists, politicians, and ordinary citizens that the promises of revolution are priority.

For back in Egypt, there are areas where it is not yet true. Activists have disappeared. Judicial trials are disputed. Inflation strains the economy. Terrorism is a lingering threat.

God, help Egypt balance between encouraging word and wounding critique. Let the president’s rhetoric speak of hope that launches new momentum. Let his policy implement reform that creates new culture.

Give Sisi wisdom, God. Give him men of integrity and efficiency.

Give Egypt justice, God. Give her systems of transparency and accountability.

Preserve Egypt. Bless her president. Establish all that is right and true. May those abroad bear witness.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Hajj Stampede

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Have mercy on the more than 700 Hajj pilgrims trampled underfoot in Saudi Arabia. Have mercy on the two million still alive, witness to the disaster. May they reflect anew, and seek you with all their heart.

Eight of the dead are among the 62,000 Egyptians on the pilgrimage. For them and all nationalities beside, comfort their families and provide for their children. Many Muslims believe Mecca is the best of all places to die. Help them to balance their grief with acceptance of honor.

Help the Saudi authorities to review all procedures, God. May they do all in their power to ease and order the necessary rituals.

And apart from the Hajj, God, bless all Muslims as they celebrate their holiday. May they laugh, love, and long for you. Lighten their hearts from the troubles of the region; burden their souls to serve you and their peoples.

Have mercy, God. Forgive the dead and the living, and revive us all.

Amen.

Update: The Ministry of Endowments now lists 124 Egyptian casualties.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Dead Tourists

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Forgive Egypt. Forgive her for the accidental killing of Mexican tourists. Forgive her for the haphazard way she handled the press. Forgive her for blaming the victims. Forgive her for false reporting in local media. Forgive her for awkward and self-referential condolences. Forgive her for the damage to tourism. Forgive her for the insufferable pain inflicted on the Mexican tourists and their families.

Forgive her, God. But may she also repent.

You have given government authority to protect citizens and society, God. Help Egypt to root out the terrorists the tourists were mistaken for. But you have given authority in trust. Help Egypt restore it.

Transparency and accountability have been promised by the authorities. May they fulfill their word, and extend it to governance in general.

Forgive Egypt, God. Save her from herself and her many entrenched sins. May this terrible accident be a rebuke that jolts her into reflection and change.

May it jolt her to repentance. May she weep over what she has done.

Comfort the victims, God. Give them strength to forgive.

Amen.

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Current Events

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Corruption and Economy

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Will Egypt be serious? Can it be? Is tackling corruption really part of the agenda?

Cries of corruption are a time-tested way to taint an opponent. Given its assumed pervasiveness they may even be true. But as the minister of agriculture falls, as does – ironically – an anti-corruption activist, help the government tackle this issue at its roots, and not just trim the low-hanging branches.

Give them both a fair hearing, God. Them, and all others.

A former Mubarak-era businessman and politician, accused of widespread corruption, is trying to return to parliament. Subject to multiple trials and jail over the past four years, the legal tussle has been intense. Decide his case rightly, God, and all like him.

Give mercy to the repentant. Give candidacy to the legal. Above all, give discernment to the electorate. Keep corruption far from the coming parliament.

For beyond politics, corruption spoils the economy. The government is feverishly working to stimulate investment, cautiously working to enact reform.

The rich and powerful can tolerate corruption; perhaps they even benefit. But its costs are felt most harshly where economic revival is most needed. For the poor and middle class, it is hard to play on an uneven field.

But real growth is dependent upon them. Studies show the Egyptian economy is woefully top heavy. Corruption trickles down far more efficiently than capital.

God, how to even begin? Give officials wisdom and uprightness. Give functionaries a living wage and a tender conscience. Give the system transparency.

Give Egypt the people and will to make it happen. May it both accompany and spur a cultural change. And beyond accusation, may it bring healing. There are degrees of guilt, God. Let justice be blind, but also be nuanced.

Cleanse the nation, God. May prosperity come, to all.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Natural Gas

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Thank you for good news for Egypt. Please prepare her to use it well, three-to-five years from now.

A massive offshore pool of natural gas was found this week in Egypt’s Mediterranean waters. Estimates say it increases her reserves by third. Long suffering an energy crunch, within a few years Egypt will be self-sufficient.

Therefore, God, may good trump greed. Help Egypt make necessary structural adjustments with minimal impact on labor. Help Egypt prepare industries with great impact on labor. And let all contracts be awarded transparently, that capital be rewarded for efficiency over proximity.

Clear Egypt of corruption, God. May the people see fruit from your good gift.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Police vs State

Flag Cross QuranGod,

The police have a hard job. They are targets for terrorism, accused of corruption, and scapegoats of a revolution. Their moral authority has been compromised, yet they are on the front lines of state sovereignty.

How much compensation do they deserve?

The lowest of them, the most numerous, and perhaps those most exposed, think it is not enough. In one location they protested to make their case known. Their colleagues were called in to disperse, with tear gas and resulting clashes.

For now the issue is at rest. The government has promised to study demands and meet some by early next month. September 5, the low ranking officers union will convene to discuss response.

God, give them wisdom, both now and then. God, give the state wisdom, in how to treat them right.

If they are placated, it could enflame other institutions of the state. Civil servants have slated a protest date a week later.

If they are rejected, it could enflame a vital institution of the state. A house divided against itself cannot stand.

At the same time, many call for the overall reform of the institution. Whether targets, accused, or scapegoats, the house is not in order.

God, find the right solution.

Inspire the police in the sacredness of their duty. Hold the police to the accountability of their charge. Empower the police for the fight against chaos. Imbue the police with ethics of service.

And for those they serve, may they return all proper respect. May they honor authority and obey the law. Rebuild the police reputation, God. May they be a pillar in a state that is just.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Borders, Bombs

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God,

The bombs continue, this time striking a security directorate in the early morning hours with a blast that rattled all Cairo. Several injuries, none killed – it is a marker of taunting more than a message of death.

But from where?

There are problems at the borders, God. To the west, Libyan officials have abandoned a desert crossing. To the east, militants seized Palestinians returning to Gaza, taking four from a bus. And long a guarantor of peace, the United States is considering pulling out peacekeeping forces on the Sinai border with Israel.

How much of Egypt’s trouble is imported, God? Most of the Gaza tunnels have been destroyed. But instability still reigns in Libya, as the Arab League debates arming the internationally recognized government. Will more war bring peace, or more weapons to smuggle?

Secure the borders, God, though with Egypt’s deserts the task is formidable. Ideas have wings, but keep out the men and means of violence.

Of those already here, may they be found, disarmed, and prosecuted.

But most belong here. Egypt has long been an exporter of violent ideology. Give winning flight to better ideas.

Help men of religion to lead the charge. Help them also to stay out of the way. Religion can inspire, it can also impose.

Help Egypt find the balance. Help her craft a society of welcome and tolerance, humanity and peace.

For those tempted to radicalize where these are absent, God, give them a stronger inner core of righteousness. May they fight for justice, but transgress not.

May humility rattle the region, and decency taunt the darkness. May the borders be secure because the center is whole. A marker of encouragement, a message of life.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Remembering Rabaa

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God,

Two years are past, hundreds are dead. Help Egypt to remember correctly.

In response to massive protests against then-President Morsi, his supporters rallied in protests of their own. They continued several weeks after he was removed by the army. After several warnings to disband, the camp was cleared forcibly. Some policemen were killed, but so many more protesters.

God, give justice for every innocent life. Hold accountable every unjustified killing. Help Egypt recover and heal from a terrible wound.

But the call to remember Rabaa implicitly ignores other troublesome events. A second campsite also witnessed much loss of life, as did demonstrations before and after. Retaliatory attacks struck at police stations and churches throughout the country. Dehumanizing and sectarian rhetoric was hurled in multiple directions.

God, it was ugly.

Two years later much of the country has moved on. A new constitution was written and ratified. The military hero who overthrew Morsi was overwhelmingly elected president. Pro-Morsi demonstrations long continued, clashes ensued, and arrests multiplied. Things are much quieter now, but a terrorist insurgency feeds off the memory.

Some memories are selective, others choose to forget. But two responses are necessary, and seem purposefully ignored: Accountability and forgiveness.

In their place a sole word reigns: Retribution. One side enacts, the other calls.

Justice, God, could take its place, if agreement could settle on a definition. Mutual acrimony and mutual culpability sideline the possibility.

So what can be done, God?

For those aggrieved, touch their hearts. Direct their ire and guide their response, but let not their souls be poisoned. May they overcome hatred, and transform anger. For their own sake, Egypt’s, and the path of righteousness, help them forgive and respond in blessing.

For those aggressing, touch their conscience. Honor their duty and gird their devotion, but let not transgression be swept under the rug. May they be stricken in soul, and find restoration. Give all authorities wisdom, mercy, and firm commitment to rule of law.

But all this may not be enough, God. Behind Rabaa is also a clash of ideologies. Help Egypt to remember, but also to know herself. Guide all in creating the proper society, inclusive of as many as possible.

There, and in getting there, may Egypt heal.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: New Suez Canal

Flag Cross QuranGod,

The Suez Canal is now longer, and wider, and deeper. It can accommodate ships in both directions. It was funded by the people; may they quickly recoup their investment.

Much, of course, is out of Egypt’s control. Revenue from the canal rises and falls from global shipping patterns. The new project keeps the watercourse competitive. Extra capacity and decreased wait signal growth opportunity.

But nothing beats location. God, this comes from you, so help Egypt be thankful.

Help her also to celebrate. It is a national achievement, a political success, and an economic potential. The nation needs good news.

But she also needs sober judgment. Many voices have lavished praise, many voices have decried waste. Many voices have agendas.

God, give the president faithful counsel. Guide him both to inspire, and to plan. Let all proceed from firm foundation.

Where there are cracks, God, fill them in. But let nothing be papered over. And where some chip away, prevent further erosion.

The Suez Canal is a symbol of Egypt, a national resource and a source of pride. Amid rumblings of terrorism, thank you for keeping the day safe.

But now move Egypt forward from this day. May the Canal Zone develop, may people flock there and find work. May politics and economy accommodate them all.

Your love has poured into Egypt for millennia, God. May it flow in both directions. Long, wide, and deep – may Egyptians respond to your investment.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Health, Meds, and Water

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God,

Keep Egypt healthy. She does too much harm to herself, but aid also where she is trying.

Cancer statistics were released this week, and a national database will finally be developed. Hepatitis C has declined 30 percent over the past few years, and cheaper drugs are coming to the market.

But a different pharmaceutical firm was shut down after children died in Beni Suef. And many locations throughout the country receive water only sporadically. Other neighborhoods have lush, green grass, while over a third of residential water is lost through leakages in the pipes.

The problems are many: poor planning, poor maintenance, poor infrastructure, poor quality, poor habits.

Some are related to budget, some to culture. Inspire Egypt to fix them all.

The constitution mandates the increase of medical spending over time. Help education to spread awareness. Help the government to do its job.

Remove from influence the criminally negligent in both the public and private sector. But remove also the negligence of personal care. So much of good health lies only in attention to creation.

You have made all things wonderful, God. The land and waters and people of Egypt. Heal them. Preserve them. With sound body, mind, and spirit, may all thrive in harmony.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: New Face in Terrorism

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Terrorism in Egypt has been connected to franchises, but not faces. Whether driven by political frustration or extremist ideology, the forces causing havoc have earned infamy as a whole and not as a part.

But this week there is a name. It is an old name for those who know, but Hisham al-Ashmawi, a former military officer, has seized a new limelight for himself.

God, may he fail. But may you not fail with him. Redeem him. With his colleagues, may peace come to both soul and land.

Authorities have linked him to various recent terrorist acts, but his release of an audio call for jihad against Sisi resulted in media attention. His background, his al-Qaeda (rather than ISIS) allegiance, and his announcement of a new cell all contribute.

Sin is destructive, God. If there is division in the ranks of terrorism, God, then allow conflict. If there is ambition, let jealousy stir. Save many from self-combustion; save all from collateral damage. May this cancer eat itself.

But God, cancer kills unless treated. Even then it can be too late. Whatever surgical steps are needed, may they be administered with professionalism, in accordance with all medical standards.

Help Egypt to recover, whole. Turn frustration into participation. Turn ideology into righteousness. Forgive. Reconcile. Heal.

All with justice, God. Hold Egyptians accountable for their sins, but do not burden the nation. Many are tempted to employ evil in their quest for the good they imagine. Rebuke them. Transform them.

But may they see you honor those who hold to the good, risking failure. Provide Egypt examples of good issuing from good, untainted with even a hint of wrongdoing.

Make their faces shine forth, God, like glory unveiled. May all darkness recoil in terror, and Egypt praise your name.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Nervous Eid

Flag Cross QuranGod,

Give Egyptians a happy holiday at the end of Ramadan. Honor their fasting, hear their prayers. And above all, keep them safe.

The week began with a huge explosion at the Italian consulate. It ended with the claim of a terrorist attack on a naval vessel in the Mediterranean.

There have been warnings of more attacks over the multi-day Eid. Perhaps they are not aimed primarily at civilians, but people can be nervous all the same.

Calm them, God, with proper vigilance. Secure them, with proper faith.

The Cairo police chief was recently relieved of his duties. Establish a system of accountability that puts the most able in the top posts. Their assignment is challenging; give wisdom, supply intelligence.

With stability, in peace, help all enjoy this time with family. Strengthen bonds and renew religion. As Egyptians look to you, give them eyes to see correctly.

Let love drive out fear. Let security drive out terrorism. Let the Eid go back to normal.

Amen.