Blessings from America

Following the recent visit from Friends United Quaker Meetings in the United States to us here at Brummana High School right before the Easter break, they sent us the below prayer and blessing.

Our pastoral care team is leaving Lebanon today and we offer this prayer:

O God of all nations, we lift up Lebanon, a land of breathtaking beauty, where mountains embrace the sea and ancient echoes whisper through the valleys. We thank you for the warmth of Lebanese hospitality, for the generosity that has embraced us, and for the reminder of ancient societies that have shaped this world. We are grateful for the opportunity to witness its splendor, from the heights of Brummana Friends School, with its view of Beirut and the Mediterranean, to the depths of its rich history.

We acknowledge, Lord, the resilience of the Lebanese people, a people who have welcomed us with open arms and shared with us the finest of their table. We have felt safe and embraced, and for this, we are truly grateful. Yet, we are also mindful of the shadows that linger – the marks of past conflicts, the weight of economic hardship, and the echoes of civil strife. We remember the recent history of civil war, financial collapse, and the struggles of its people.

We pray, Merciful God, for healing and restoration in this land. May the laughter and joy we have shared with new friends not mask the deep wounds that require your touch. We ask for your peace to settle upon Lebanon, a peace that transcends political division and economic uncertainty. Grant wisdom to its leaders, that they may govern with justice and integrity, seeking the welfare of all its citizens. Provide for those who are struggling, comfort those who have lost loved ones, and strengthen those who work for reconciliation and unity.

May the spirit of Brummana Friends School and Meeting, with its grounding in Quaker values, continue to be a ray of light and hope, fostering understanding and peace. May the beauty of Lebanon not be marred by the scars of the past, but may it be a testament to the enduring strength and hope of its people.

We pray for a future where Lebanon’s beauty is matched by its peace, where its people can flourish, and where its rich heritage is a source of unity and pride. May your love and grace prevail, O God, in this precious land.

Amen.