God, Friends don’t always agree. But not all issues are the same. Jerusalem is, and has often been, historically different.
Changing longstanding US policy, the American president recognized the city as Israel’s capital, and began the process of moving the embassy.
The Egyptian president warned against it, and then spoke against it. Most of the world sides with him.
Parliament is now debating sanctions against America. The Azhar and the Coptic Orthodox Church will not meet with the vice-president during his upcoming visit.
Sporadic protests have broken out. Pressure may – or may not – be mounting.
God, the three religions of Egypt consider Jerusalem important to you. Consequently, it is to them. So it is to many in America.
But though they read you differently, do they read you correctly?
Guide all in proper conviction toward land, promise, people, and politics. Give consensus.
But God, in this your will has long been unrealized. Decades. Centuries. Millenia.
For those with conviction, no matter how proper, give them patience with the others. Give them fair arguments. Give them fairer attitudes.
And until realization comes, give love.
Help them to talk. Help them to pray. Help them to see themselves. Help them to see your principles.
Grant justice. Grant peace.
Where there is sincerity, spare the cynicism. Where there is callousness, call it out. May all speak from the heart.
May they stay friends. May they become friends. May they repent. May they be different.
God, this change is historical. Make it more so. Perhaps you are the only one who knows how.
Amen.
This prayer was written by Gayson Casper
