Pray for Egypt: riots continue, so must our prayersScot Bower - 3 Feb 2011
News of rioting and revolution in Cairo dominates my inbox, Reuters brought me the sad news that 5 died in last night's clashes and this mornings BBC banner bears an image of a bearded man kneeling in desperate prayer beside an army tank. Alongside the news stories come updates from mission organisations as well as more personal prayer requests and updates which really bring the chaos in Egypt to the forefront of my mind. And for a moment I’m overwhelmed.
Last week we ran a feature article from Alana Wiens who shared some advice on how to pray for situations just like that we are seeing in Egypt right now. It’s Alana's advice which shakes me from my feelings of helplessness and I’d urge you to reflect on her tips and join me in prayer.
Pray Positively: An update from Rev. Andrew White in Baghdad reads:
On a day like today, we might stand in wonder, and ask what is happening. I simply repeat the words I say at the beginning of each service here at St George's: 'The Lord is here, and His Spirit is with us.' For several years I have returned time and again to Isaiah 19. Keep your eyes on it, and the words at the very end of the chapter: "The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, 'Blessed be Egypt my people, Iraq my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.'"
We pray the Fathers blessing on Egypt and for the presence of the Holy Spirit, especially in Tahrir Square (Cairo).
Pray Mercy: The World Evangelical Allicance (WEA) ask us to pray for
safety of the young people in Tahrir Square – some of them are Christian, some of them are Muslim. The Christians believe strongly that most Muslims and Christians are united in their common concern for the welfare of the nation”
Lord have mercy, we pray safety and protection for young protestors.
Pray Politically: As well as the immediate and obvious need to pray for a peaceful transition of power in Egypt these words from Rev Andrew White help explain the political atmosphere in the wider region:
Today the crisis has moved to Jordan, though it has been largely overshadowed in the media by events in Cairo. The King of Jordan has sacked the government, replaced the Prime Minister with the former Jordanian Ambassador to Israel, Marouf al-Bakhit, a great friend to Israel. So in the Arab world there are cries for democracy. In Israel the peace process is in danger of crumbling entirely. And here in Iraq violence has radically increased: religious sectarian attacks continue. Christians live in mortal fear. They wonder what will happen next.
We pray for just and righteous leadership in Egypt and a peaceful transition of power. We also pray peace and stability for the surrounding nations and an end to persecution and violence towards the church.
Pray Expectantly: One update from Cairo exclaims
These have been intense days - massive protests, the collapse of security in the city, gun-battles in our neighborhood, curfews, cash and food shortages... but also answered prayers, a complete breakthrough from fear in the country, incredible deepening of relationships with friends, serving in the community, sharing the gospel, and more.
We thank you Jesus for answered prayer and pray with expectation for your kingdom to come and your will to be done in Egypt again we remember with hope your promise to bless Egypt.
Pray Locally – In this age of the ‘Global Village’ we are all likely to live close to someone who has been personally affected by the crisis in Egypt or who is concerned about the spreading of violence and revolution in the Middle East. Today let’s pray locally for our friends and neighbours, let’s also remember to BE that prayer by being bringers of peace and hope to our neighbourhood.
Alana's Article 'How to Change The World' also encourages us to pray 'informed' and gives advice on how to do that, she also reminds us to pray persistently. In a few days or weeks this crisis will no longer be news worthy and media attention will re-focus elsewhere. In reality this region desperately needs peace, needs our prayers and needs Jesus above all else. Let's keep praying.