Tag: Prayer

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: National List

Flag Cross QuranGod,

What value is there in praying over the squabbling of politicians?

President Sisi gathered representatives of the political parties and asked them to agree on one national list to present to the people for upcoming parliamentary elections. Many have met to discuss, but so far they have fully failed.

But does it matter to you? Is the request valid? Is their unity desired?

At present there are four main blocs. One consists of politicians and businessmen related to the old regime. Another comes from old school opposition figures. A third gathers newer parties born after the revolution.

The final bloc is the Salafi Nour, currently awaiting judicial rulings on its continuing legality as a ‘religious’ party. To date, they have been ignored in the efforts of the first three to negotiate a common non-Islamist list.

But the first three blocs are fluid, and in the background is the success of Tunisia’s non-Islamists to squeeze out the Brotherhood-like Nahda.

If only for the prayers of Egypt’s non-Islamists, should newer revolutionaries ally with old regime figures? Is this betrayal of their birthright, or recognition of greater threat?

Guide all negotiations to what is right and best, God. But for all the bickering, these parties fight over a twenty percent slice of parliament. The rest goes to independents who may receive support of different parties, but lie outside their sphere.

God, you inhabit messy spaces. You concern yourself with man’s foibles. However often the manner is outside your preference, it is here your will is made known.

Parliament may determine a lot.

At the least it is necessary for Egypt’s stability. Therefore, God, let it come. As for its members, give Egypt good men who will serve – both constituencies and principles.

Whatever share the parties have in this measurement, honor them accordingly. If they unite over a consensual national list, honor their sacrificed interests. If they divide over core issues, honor their commitment to platform.

And if anything else, may they bear the consequences of selfish ambition.

Squabble they may, and it may be necessary. But guide each one’s concern to be part of your list, their names found in the Book of Life.

Here there is no bloc, no negotiation, no election – only grace. May every politician act accordingly.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Atheism and Insult

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God,

Words injure. Ideas have consequences. Give Egypt wisdom and strength of character to tread righteously in irreligious waters.

For Charlie Hebdo insists on staying in the headlines. The head of the Azhar called for Muhammad cartoons to be ignored, while a pro-Brotherhood scholar called for demonstrations and international blasphemy laws. Many expressed anger and warned of violent reactions, even as they condemned them.

And perhaps similarly, Egypt jailed a local citizen for being an atheist. He was harassed in his home town and complained to the police, but instead wound up arrested. His father testified against him, and his incarceration will last three years. He is not the only blasphemer in prison, and others are on trial.

God, all rights come with responsibility, and the law regulates limitations. Do you have an opinion on where to draw the line?

Moreover, do you wish mankind to police your honor?

Help Egypt to process these questions, God, protecting good, preserving liberty, for individual and society alike.

Give courage to speak a rebuke. Give humility to win the recipient. Give patience to bear an insult. Give confidence to respond in love.

Give the same to Egypt’s atheists, as to those offended by them. Guide both to what is true and right. Guide all in defining their place.

You are the word, God, how you respond when injured? You are the idea, from which all consequences follow. Help Egypt imitate your character, and in you find strength.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Visions of Religion

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God,

If you are the light, the good, and the pure, then it stands to reason that the closer one approaches you the more imperfections are visible. Furthermore, the accumulated wisdom in the approach to you – religion – is prone to the same exposure. Great virtue lies along your path, great vice looms a step awry.

And therefore man is a poor judge. Sometimes the deed seems obvious. Gunmen fire randomly into a newspaper office, or kill policemen guarding a church. Sometimes the act is contested. Religious leaders comment on politics, or political leaders comment on religion. And sometimes the symbol seems worthy. A president visits holiday mass, or a policeman is killed guarding a newspaper.

But in each one, God, man can find both honor or fault. Some difference stems from the choice of religion, some from the different visions of each. The path is important, God, as is the heart. Judge mercifully, but justly. May man imitate you as closely as possible.

For those who kill in your name, offended by the offense given to the revered, instill in them your own humility. For those who kill in your name, seeking retribution and reversal denied them in this world, instill in them a faith in your ordering of affairs.

For a pope who comments on politics, give him wisdom to discern reality, to speak judiciously, and to lead as a servant. For a president who comments on religion, give him wisdom to seek knowledge, to judge his limits, and to lead as a visionary.

For the symbol of state to recognize Christmas, bless intentions of unity amid accusations of politics. For the symbol of sacrifice in defense of another’s religious or irreligious voice, bless the faithfulness of duty amid uncertainties of criticism.

Should human freedom permit religious mocking? Should religious freedom permit divergence in the community?

Should Christianity stand with the powers-that-be, or simply pray for them? Does Islam need a renewal of religious discourse, or a better imitation of its origins?

God for so many the answers are obvious; for others these answers are obviously different. We are poor judges, especially in religion. Show us the light, the good, and the pure. Help us hold to conviction where our vision is true, but in our certainty show us our darkness, our bad, and our impurity.

Bless Egypt in these questions, God, as a nation may she draw closer to you. Reveal her imperfections. Give her the best wisdom in religion. Guide her on the right path. Keep her foot from slipping.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: A New Year

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God,

Every new year brings new possibilities. But old issues linger. Help Egypt to find resolution.

What should become of Islamism? Criminals can be prosecuted, but what of citizens?

What will become of human rights? Stability is necessary, but is it sustainable without them?

What can become of the economy? Tourism and investment may return, but will all take an equitable share?

God, these and other issues continue. Trials are ongoing in an uncertain judiciary. Corruption hovers as a near insolvable specter. Reform is needed in countless sectors, each with strong institutional power to resist.

A revolution was launched with all the right slogans. Four years later little has changed. Yet while the hopes of many have been dashed, others see new hope finally emerging.

In this new year, God, give hope a grounding in reality. Strengthen state, society, and citizen together. May all three come together to answer the questions above.

The answers will come amid many possibilities. Where the answer is right, give Egypt the resolve to carry it out. Bless this new year, God, and all Egypt in it. May her people know peace.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: China, Elections

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God,

Two fronts are brewing, and both received a push. Egypt is trying to stabilize through its economy and elections.

For the first, President Sisi traveled to China and signed a number of trade agreements. For the second, just before leaving he signed into law the mechanisms for parliamentary elections.

In March is scheduled a major investment summit; around then the polls are expected as well. If both are clean and well supported it will be a sign the nation is moving forward.

God, move Egypt forward, but with more than money and ballots.

Bring investment, but distribute it well. Clean the centers of corruption and ensure fair return for both capital and labor. Egypt recently mandated electronic tax payments for corporations; help the state to receive – and use – its fair share, wisely.

Bring voters, but prepare them well. Give them worthy candidates who will represent their constituencies. Spread a culture of democracy that gives no one a blank check; help the state to facilitate its own accountability.

But God, others are not comfortable with Egypt becoming stable in its current shape. Some are looking to sabotage and disrupt, keep them from causing harm. But others wish for deeper or different justice. Honor the sentiment, God, and weigh the demands.

May Egypt more forward in that which is good.

Seek knowledge as far afield as China, says the hadith. Help the president find one source, but forsake the other. Not all stability is honorable.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Tidying House

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God,

Egypt is trying to redecorate. But beware the house swept clean if it is left unoccupied.

The police force had long been closed to the Muslim Brotherhood, but the revolution opened the door. This week forty students were expelled, for family ties to Brotherhood members. The state had always been wary of infiltration; after a year in public power, it is now easier to find them.

The Azhar was harder to close off to Islamists; conservative Islam can be similar but is not the same. This week 71 students were expelled, for participation in campus protests. The state is seeking calm and a reformed religious discourse; many in disagreement have self-identified.

Downtown Cairo reflected the ethos of the country. Unregulated but entrepreneurial, numerous street cafés catered to fun loving Egyptian. This week many were shut down, pursuant to the law but surely jeopardizing to livelihoods. One café in particular was targeted for its congregating atheists.

And the undercurrent of society had long been left there, undisturbed. But this week the Azhar conducted a ‘count’ of Egypt’s atheists, while the police raided a bathhouse and arrested alleged homosexuals. Politically, commercially, and morally, the nation is housecleaning.

Perhaps. Some say the problems are so entrenched these are only a minor dusting. Others say it misses structural problems altogether.

But even opponents of the state are looking to tidy. Rumors say the Brotherhood is trying to restructure, while Sinai jihadists split over Islamic State affiliation.

God, wash Egypt of all its stains. Repair what is necessary. Gut what is rotten.

Help the police to be of one vision, to serve the law while serving the people. Protect the expelled from unjust accusation, but uncover also if their intentions were ill.

Help the Azhar to be of pure vision, to serve you while serving society. May it navigate well between justice and peace.

Help the economy to stimulate growth, to serve the investor while serving the client. Protect the tax base, but also those of lesser means.

Help the society to stimulate freedom, to serve human rights while it serves cultural norms. May it navigate well between liberty and taboo.

And help state opponents to weigh well their struggle. May they submit to you while submitting to authority, knowing the sometimes difficult balance.

God, you warn when an evil spirit leaves a dwelling, it can come back with seven far worse than itself. No amount of tidying will do, if you do not inhabit it.

Dwell in Egypt, God, and in her people. Dwell in her government, laws, and institutions. Dwell in her culture and commerce. Dwell in her marginalized, and her opponents.

And transform them all. Redeem them. Make Egypt clean.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Threat and Rumor

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God,

Keep Egypt safe, from both threat and rumor. Help her to distinguish between the two.

Several Western embassies closed their doors this week, citing security threats but giving few details. The government seemed offended, and some claimed conspiracy. Stability comes from both truth and perception.

Leaks were released, with the voice of an army general instructing falsification of documents to make legal the detention of former president Morsi. The government claimed the recording a fake, and some wondered about treachery. Unity in the military is both safeguard and question.

Interpol listed a pro-Brotherhood, elderly Egyptian sheikh in Qatar as wanted by Cairo on criminal charges of inciting murder. The government calls him a terrorist, and some call him a godfather. Polity in Islam is both support and threat.

God, rumors are rampant in Egypt, as are the threats. Defend her from both.

May embassies open, and leaks seal. May transparency serve, and justice rule. May terrorism cease, and stability flourish.

Oppose those who spread rumors, God. Bring their whispers to light and expose their ill intentions.

Oppose those who threaten with anything but justice. But support both a righteous order and a bold critique. Rumors are tools of those who lie, but truth is a threat to all who manipulate.

Rid Egypt of their sins, God, and restore to her sons of honest character. May she wisely distinguish between them.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Mubarak Verdict

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God,

The judge ended his 200 page judgment with an appeal to you as Ultimate Judge. Perhaps his conscience was pained after avoiding a ruling.

Mubarak was neither convicted nor acquitted, his case dismissed on a technicality. And a similar reasoning let his security generals off the hook. Since no officers were found guilty in the three years since the revolution, there could have been no top-down order for them to kill.

On some points, God, it seems fair enough. Many deaths occurred in attacks on police stations, which the judge ruled as self-defense.

But it leaves a void of culpability and an emptiness of satisfaction. They may well be innocent, but who is guilty?

Many in are Egypt are convinced he is. After a long revolutionary pause, a few thousand descended to Tahrir Square to protest before being dispersed by security.

Many in Egypt are convinced he isn’t. They place blame on Islamists, accused of opening prisons and killing protestors to enflame sentiment against the police.

And many in Egypt no longer much care. They see Mubarak as old and deserving of sympathy, but the state as imperiled and in need of stability.

God, judge Mubarak rightly in the end, and in the now. Honor the judge, but judge his conscience. Judge the consciences of all who contributed, assembled, and weighed the evidence.

Comfort those who still mourn the blood of their loved ones. May their cries to you be heard in the end, and in the now. Give them perseverance until all facts are known and all crimes convicted. May neither they nor their cause be forgotten.

But neither, God, let it be manipulated. May those who protest seek justice, not retribution. May those who support seek truth, not stability.

But God, in your wisdom, give all the above.

Clean the conscience of Egypt, God. Too many avoid repentance, too many escape guilt.

In their pain, may they appeal to you. Judge.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Blame and Impose

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God,

The last three years in Egypt have been troublesome. Find a culprit, and force your way.

An early culprit was Mubarak. Today he faces a verdict that may exonerate him.

The current culprit is the Muslim Brotherhood, according to a national fact-finding investigation into the post-June 30 violence. They initiated the violence in the dispersal of their pro-Morsi sit-in, and followed it up against Christians across the nation.

An ongoing culprit is also named. The security services exercised an inordinate and random response, resulting in hundreds of deaths. They have the ire of Islamists who called for nationwide protests this weekend, but did not galvanize.

God, of course there are many to blame. Find them and transparently hold them to account. But blame deflects from one’s own culpability.

Give Egypt humility, and help her hold herself to account.

For it far easier to impose. The state has the strength and is asserting its right. Thousands have been arrested and dissenters marginalized.

But even weakness seeks to impose. A Salafi group, backed by the Brotherhood, called on the masses to impose sharia law and Islamic identity.

Each is trying to fix what went wrong.

The state does not wield the sword in vain, God, you have asked it to maintain justice and order. But the human impulse to blame and impose contradicts other principles you demand. Mercy, patience, confession, and other-centeredness – these are absent among too many.

Preserve goodness in Egypt, God. Protect her against those who wish her ill, but may she not respond in kind. Generate a wide consensus, so that no force is necessary.

Issue no blame, God, and impose no wrath. Forgive, and rebuild Egypt.

Amen.

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Deep Wounds

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God,

When all is not well the wounds can go deep. Continued health demands paying attention.

The Muslim Brotherhood has stumbled badly. Tripped deliberately or drunk with power, their wound still feels fresh to many. And the United Arab Emirates throws salt on it by designating them – and allegedly connected organizations – as terrorist entities.

But the wound in the Gulf is treated carefully. Qatar, isolated politically from her neighbors, is restored into fellowship with Saudi Arabia and the Emirates. Agreeing to tone down her rhetoric against Egypt, they tone down support as well for the Brotherhood.

The wounds of many have been left to fester. The anniversary of the Mohamed Mahmoud clashes passed with little remembrance, as revolutionary activists lament missing justice. One former Brotherhood member beloved of most activists had long withdrawn from many in depression. She committed suicide only a few days earlier.

God, the Brotherhood is mentioned in all the above, but there are many wounded beside. Indeed, they caused much of the wounding. But whether activists or old guard, Islamists or Christians, Bedouins or police, tour guides or the average Egyptian, many are nursing their lingering bruise.

Having a wound implies neither innocence nor guilt. All it implies is the need for healing.

Some wounds demand amputation. God, help Egypt, the region, and the world judge the Brotherhood correctly.

But deal mercifully with all taken in by the promise of the Brotherhood, who currently at least have had their dreams derailed. Deal mercifully as well with those enamored of the revolution, who find their sacrifices have been in vain.

Guide them, God, so that they may reflect correctly. But heal them and restore them to wholeness.

But even treated wounds can leave a scar. And a scar can boost pride and intimidate others.

For those wounded early in the revolutionary period, many have rebounded. They were trampled on by the dreams of others, and many were enamored with their fall. May they now deal mercifully.

Guide them, God, so that they may reflect correctly. But heal them and restore them to wholeness.

But after their individual healing, God, judge righteously between them. Hold accountable all who have erred. Deal mercifully, but restore society to wholeness.

And if Egypt heals, may the Gulf as well. Not just politically, but in full conformity with your will. Bless the region, God, and all its people.

Her wounds are deep and stretch back decades, even centuries. May all pay attention, and in good health, continue.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Allegiances

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God,

Two declarations were issued this week, at complete opposite ends of the spectrum. From Sinai, Ansar Bait al-Maqdis pledged to obey the caliph of the Islamic State. From the Chamber of Commerce, a business delegation pledged to recruit other American companies to invest in Egypt.

One allegiance is to you, God, the other is to mammon. Both may be confused.

Therefore, guide them both.

A few days after the pledge to ISIS, terrorists struck at the Egyptian navy. Four boats in the Mediterranean targeted a naval vessel, opening a new chapter in the insurrection.

A few days before the pledge of investment, a UN hearing blasted the Egyptian record on human rights. But sixty-six companies targeted the private sector, opening a new chapter in the transition.

God, help Egypt to rebuild. Bring investment from abroad and from within, that a creative entrepreneurship might employ many. From a stronger economy build a stronger middle class. From a stronger middle class build a stronger civil society. And from a stronger civil society build a stronger respect for human rights.

But do not let it take that long. Amid the many troubles, hold the government accountable in treating people justly. And within these coming companies, may their corporate culture model good governance in the economic sphere.

And God, help Egypt to repel. Bring support from abroad and from within, that a humane determination might resist terrorism. From a deeper respect for human rights build a deeper sense of patriotism. From a deeper sense of patriotism build a deeper commitment to neighbor. And from a deeper commitment to neighbor build a deeper understanding of religion.

God, set the single-minded idealists of the Islamic State on the right path. Set the single-minded capitalists of the United States on the right path.

Once there, may their respective zeal and wealth benefit Egypt, the region, and the world. For without your guidance, God, they may trample it all.

Declare your goodness to Egypt, and recruit many to her aid. From abroad and from within, may all demonstrate allegiance to your principles.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Journalism, Rights Review

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God,

Eyes were on Egypt this week, from inside and outside, to hold her accountable. May she be worthy and exceed all standards.

But some do not think so. Offended by their editors-in-chief, 400 Egyptian journalists signed a petition protesting media pledges to not undermine the government.

And in advance of a periodic human rights review by the United Nations, a consortium of NGOs and activists put forward several recommendations where they believe Egypt falls short.

Many in the UN criticized, while Egyptian officials defended their policies.

God, weigh between them, but only for good. May their disputes lead to dialogue and then to development.

Bless journalists for the courage of their convictions. Bless editors for their support of their nation. But keep the former from muckraking and the latter from sycophancy. Help the truth to be told with all transparency.

Bless activists for their dedication to human rights. Bless officials for application in difficult times. But keep the former from distortion and the latter from misrepresentation. Help life to be lived with all dignity.

But where there is fraud or injustice, God, root it out.

May those inside and outside both contribute. Make Egypt accountable, above all to your standard.

May all eyes find her worthy.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Military Missions

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God,

Bless the Egyptian military in its many responsibilities. They seem to be rapidly increasing.

The horrible explosion last week in Sinai killed 31 soldiers, and prompted the government to evacuate the area. A buffer zone is being created on the border of Gaza, with homes demolished and population relocated. The military is undertaking the effort.

The ongoing protests in university campuses has prompted the government to allow official security force intervention. Private security must be supplemented, and quick trials are necessary for saboteurs. The military is undertaking the effort.

The fiscal crises have prompted the government to stimulate the economy. New projects have been authorized everywhere, from building new apartments to building new soccer fields. The military is undertaking the effort.

God, may all tasks be done well.

But care also for those affected by these decisions. Have mercy on the evacuated; may they be treated justly in this sacrifice. Give patience to the students; may the accused have transparent trials and the rest find vibrant campus life. Help profit the businesses; may they employ many and expand their markets.

But are the tasks necessary, God? Are they good? Is this the place for the army?

Some say no, that the expansion of role damages the military and suffocates both public and private sectors. Some say yes, that in times of crisis the military can work quickly and avoid the bureaucratic corruption in the public and private sectors.

Judge rightly, God, and give discernment to the people. But give the government – military, police, and politicians – wisdom in combatting terrorism.

Give the government wisdom in promoting education. Give the government wisdom in facilitating business.

Above all, God, may the government be responsible. Bless it and the military, and Egypt altogether.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Travel Bans and Protest Law

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God,

Who is free to come and go? Who is free to stay and protest? Who is authorized to define these rights? Who is permitted to defend them?

This week Asmaa Mahfouz, an original January 25 activist, was prevented from boarding a plane leaving Egypt. But Amr Hamzawi, an original liberal intellectual voice, had his travel ban lifted.

As recognizable names and faces, each has been accused of various offenses against the state in the effort of some to discredit the original revolution. Or, each has committed various offenses in the effort of some revolutionaries to discredit the original state.

Do Asmaa and Amr fall on different sides of this question? Both have certainly called for the right to protest, and engaged in the same.

And as pressure mounts on the government to amend the protest law – six political parties lent their weight – pressure mounts on the government despite it – pro-Morsi protests have ticked somewhat higher.

And within the mix, at least 26 army conscripts were killed as a car bomb hit their checkpoint in Sinai.

God, bring peace to Egypt. Establish a nation in which the right to protest exists with little reason to do so.

Establish a nation in which people are free to come and go, but far more want to come.

Establish a nation in which institutionalized authorities establish liberty, held accountable by a civil society with little to need to defend it.

God, bring Egypt through this phase of struggle and doubt, violence and conspiracy.

Weigh the cases of Asmaa, Amr, and all beside. Judge justly between them and the state.

But give vigilance and integrity to those on both sides of inverse principles. Order and stability, rights and freedoms – for both are social necessities.

Resolve the current conflicts, God. May the struggle be beneficial and all be worthy of respect.

May Egypt prove similarly worthy, God. Honor her among the nations. Honor her among her people.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Open, Closed, and Outlawed

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God,

After a long delay, Egypt’s universities opened again, and with it a renewal of student protests.

After a long tenure, the Carter Center closed its Egypt operations, claiming the nation was unlikely to move toward democratic governance.

And after a long tolerance, the government formally outlawed the National Alliance to Support Legitimacy, the mostly Islamist effort to return President Morsi to power.

Weigh each step, God, and judge accordingly. The general rhetoric is well known and oft-repeated, but help each measure to be understood in turn.

Provide for students a good education, inclusive of political consciousness. But may the antics of some not disturb the studies of all.

Honor the Carter Center for their work these past three years in critiquing Egypt’s political state. But raise up others who can provide respected assessment of coming parliamentary elections.

And with the NASL, all that exists is the general rhetoric: Establish the truth within competing narratives.

God, give wisdom to the leaders, discernment to the people, and resolute integrity to all.

Egypt has long awaited good, efficient, and honest operation, God. In school, in elections, and in opposition, may all three be witnessed soon.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Remembering Maspero

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God,

It is hard to judge the weight of Maspero on the conscience of the nation. Three years ago 27 Copts were killed while demonstrating, some by gunshot, some by the weight of military vehicles which plowed through the crowd.

This week the anniversary was commemorated by a small protest in downtown Cairo, and a small memorial at the church which houses their remains. The families of those killed call for justice, unsatisfied with the minor sentences given to three lower ranking soldiers.

Maspero marked the first blood shed by the army; whether by army or police much more has followed. To date, few have been held accountable, by any of Egypt’s successive regimes.

God, comfort the families of all who lost loved ones, but especially those on this anniversary. Comfort soon those others on the many anniversaries to come.

But comfort is cold without justice, God. You know those guilty, as well as their degree of guilt. Share this information with the people, to balance appropriately between mercy and judgment, between forgiveness and retribution.

For much of the nation has reconciled already with the military, relegating the sins of the past to the past. Others find aplenty the sins of the present.

Will the sins of the future come through ignoring this blood? Without proper rendering, will more blood flow?

Touch the conscience of the nation, God, that all might remember. Touch the conscience of the leaders, that investigations would be transparent. Touch the conscience of the guilty, that they might confess.

And with a healthy conscience, God, may Egypt heal. May Maspero – with all other blood – leave no permanent stain.

Amen.

 

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Eid Threats

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God,

The streets are quiet as Egyptian Muslims remember the sacrifice of Abraham. They slaughter a sheep, celebrate with family, and have three or four days to relax and enjoy.

Throughout the country there is calm, though some are trying to disrupt it.

Ansar Bait al-Maqdis, the foremost terrorist group operating out of the Sinai, has threatened to kill the interior minister during the eid holiday as part of its ongoing campaign against security forces.

The prayer is obvious, God. Foil their plans and avert their schemes. Bring to justice all who threaten the security of the nation.

But there are other threats as well, God. Eid congratulation banners have been hung outside mosques in Alexandria, giving good wishes from the Muslim Brotherhood.

It is just a banner, but it signals more. The Brotherhood has been outlawed and the state has sought to keep places of worship politics-free. The sign bears the phrase – ‘Come, let us truly love each other’ – but it is placed in the face of the regime.

God, let these words ring true. Acrimony has characterized many Egyptians this past year, as the political mixes with the religious. The Brotherhood calls for love, but they have demonized many. They in turn are now an object of scorn for millions beside.

Judge the politics, God, and hold accountable all who have poisoned it. Judge the religion, and honor those who honor you correctly.

But let the people love each other. Eid is a good reminder and practical example. Abraham and his son were nearly separated in pursuit of your will, but you intervened. A sacrifice preserved their family.

As the people slaughter their sheep, help them contemplate their own sacrifice, offered to you to preserve their nation. Much has been given, much more may still be required.

Give them a few days of quiet, God. But give them peace to celebrate, relax, and enjoy for much longer.

Amen.

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Friday Prayers for Egypt: Narratives

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God,

In all that happened this week in Egypt, the impression is not nearly as strong as that received from summer catch-up. First I read the news, largely from Egyptian sources. One could not be happier for the progress in the country.

But then I read the analysis, largely from Western sources. One could not be more depressed over the regression in the country.

Revolution. Coup. Hero. Autocrat. Strong state. Deep state. Terrorists. Detainees.

Some coverage was balanced; some was not. But reviewing the news of the summer felt like whiplash. I am still dizzy.

Egyptian media seems to have stabilized its perspective, as has the world’s. God, may they not remain in different places.

Even within all the necessary nuance, there is truth to the matter. May it be found, and be universally recognized. May it trump opinion. May it dismiss conspiracy.

May it be transparent.

God, censure those who spin the news to their own favor. Rebuke those who push an agenda. Events will always have interpretation; newsmen can never be fully objective.

But multiply, God, both evidence and fidelity. Release the information necessary; enable journalists to tell the story rightly.

And then may it be heard, by ears willing to hear.

Help all to live in the light, God. Shine in Egypt, and abroad.

Amen.

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Personal

An Apology to Egypt

I’m sorry, Egypt, and please accept my apology. Perhaps you will view this as only a half-apology, so allow me to give my excuses first.

We were not here this summer, spending two months in the United States. It was a very nice time, but full of travel, conferences, and professional development. My computer crashed in the middle of it. And yes, there was vacation also. It was very refreshing.

You see, Egypt, you can be quite demanding. I guess I’m moving from excuses to pent-up frustration – but I’ll assure you, this is still excuse. The past three years I have rejoiced with you, wept with you, and at times felt like cursing you.

You have had a habit of moving from one crisis to the next. As soon as one horror passes, another surfaces. It has been exhausting.

But I have always prayed with you.

That is, I trust you are praying also. I have tried to find the prayers of all people in your society, and honor them in navigating the complicated pathways of politics, religion, and culture. It has not been easy; you are deeply at odds with yourself.

But this summer you gave a respite. Things calmed down. You stayed out of the news. I know not everything is right with you, but you could take a perverse comfort that others were much worse. Maybe I took that comfort with you.

So while I was away, it was easier to trust that things were ok. And maybe they were, though I knew also that not everyone agrees. But I could go on with my business and keep a bit of emotional detachment.

This isn’t the sort of thing that is good to admit, I know.

Believe me, I didn’t forget you. Every day I checked the news, though truth be told it was often just the headlines.

And every day I prayed for you. Well, most every day. But I failed to write them down and share with others. This is what I apologize for. I didn’t know the details well enough – I wasn’t connected enough – to publicly pray beyond the generalities.

Maybe that is an excuse as well. If so, it was also the reality. I hope the important thing is a restoration going forward.

I am back, and back to work, but still catching up. I will aim to restart Friday Prayers next week. Please pray them with me again. I hope others will as well. I seek your good, even if I don’t always know what it entails.

Please forgive me. Are we ok?

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Prayers

Friday Prayers for Egypt: Subsidies Lifting

Flag Cross Quran

God,

The first shoe drops. President Sisi’s first substantial act of policy reduced the massive government subsidy on fuel. Though a government agency predicted a 200 percent rise in commodity prices, so far, it seems like he can make it work.

There has been a public outcry, of course, but no great surge in public demonstrations. Many economists say reducing subsidies was a budgetary necessary; in agreement or not some say the price will be paid by the poor.

But whether due to his popularity, his soft-spoken explanations, or a general weariness for protest, Sisi appears to be pulling it off.

God, if you have granted him success in this decision, grant him success in its results. May it ensure a government policy in line with resources, stimulating to the economy, and equitable for all.

This, though, if enacted wisely will be the long term result. In the immediate term there will be financial difficulty for many, no matter how many programs the government enacts to ease the pain.

The prayer is simple, God. Care for those most needy. Support the middle class. Command the wealthy to be rich in good deeds. Encourage generosity among all.

There is much speculation President Sisi is simply resetting the old order – politically for a particular elite, economically for entrenched patrons. In this step he has broken with the former policies of that order, but for whose interest?

May it be for the interest of the nation, God, and those of the people first and foremost. May a more just order emerge.

This is Sisi’s rhetoric, God, so hold him accountable through these same people, patrons, and elite.

Otherwise the dropped shoe may be lifted and its sole thrust in his face. Spare Egypt from insults; reform both the morality and the economy which produce them.

Fuel the creativity and determination toward wise and necessary policies. For the sake of Egypt, make them work.

Amen.