Praying for Beirut
The Lord is telling me that Beirut is on His heart right now. Beirut is the capital of Lebanon, the country that sits just to the north of Israel on the coast. Lebanon is a country mentioned quite a bit in the Bible. It was once very rich in resources, especially in forest and timber. It’s cedars were used in the building of David’s and Solomon’s temples, as well as in Solomon’s palace. There was nothing finer. This was a nation God honored.
Today, Lebanon is struggling. Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, their already high unemployment rate surged past 30% by the end of June. The country suffers from political strife and supposed government corruption, and the value of their currency is plummeting. Now, added to the citizens’ great challenges, there was an explosion on August 4th that destroyed the city.
Over 150 people are said to have been killed and that number may grow. Thousands have been injured. Beirut’s port was the center of the blast and it was destroyed completely. Fertilizer had been seized years ago from a ship and was stored in a warehouse there. The government had been asked numerous times to remove it. Sadly, that did not happen. No one seems to know what ignited it and an investigation is ongoing. You can read more about it here.
Additional immediate concerns:
It affected half the city and has caused over 300,000 to become homeless. Grain was stored nearby and the silos were demolished. To a nation already facing possible famine, this has likely exacerbated the problem. Two hospitals were destroyed. The people of Beirut are on God’s heart.
We will pray today, but the people there are suffering and in great need of assistance. It is always best to give to organizations that have been working in the land for a long time and can get aid where it needs to go. The biggest organizations are great, but often can’t move fast enough. Some smaller, very targeted, NGOs already working in a charitable way directly with the people can be better. We are aware of one that we think fits that criteria. If you feel led, you can make a donation here.
“Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who is compassionate and the God who gives comfort. He comforts us whenever we suffer. That is why whenever other people suffer, we are able to comfort them by using the same comfort we have received from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; GWT)
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
Learn about Lebanon and its former glory. Ask the Lord to move in that nation to heal and restore it.
Intercede for all those that have been injured, lost loved ones, or lost their homes and businesses. The losses are staggering. Let God grip your heart with His compassion. Pray from 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Ask the Lord to let good come of this tragedy, uncovering any corruption and paving the way for renewal for the nation of Lebanon.
Pray for the salvation of thousands and thousands. Let this be the time that many hearts turn toward God, and find grace to help in time of need in Jesus.
Declare, “The glory of the Lord is coming to Beirut and to Lebanon!”
A prayer you can pray:
Father, thank You for letting us know that Beirut and Lebanon are on Your heart today. We will lift up our intercession for them as we are led by Your Holy Spirit. You have honored this nation in the past, speaking of its wealth and the blessing it was. You commanded its cedars be used in the building of the temples where You would be worshipped. Lord, we ask You to remember Lebanon’s former glory and restore to her what has been lost over time.
The people of Lebanon are hurting, especially in the capital city of Beirut. This explosion has compounded the woes this people were already facing and they need Your help, Lord. They need food and medical care, housing, and businesses restored. So many were already out of work and now many companies have been affected by this blast. We cannot imagine the horror, fear, and emotional pain. We ask You to move, Lord. Give us Your heart for them. Turn this entire situation around for good. May You introduce them to Jesus in dreams and visions. Let the Church there rise up strong and unafraid and do whatever they can to help their neighbors. We pray for grace and strength for them. Let us partner with those on the ground there to meet physical needs. Jesus, love the people of Beirut in tangible ways and draw them to the Father. We declare, “The glory of the Lord is coming to Beirut and to Lebanon!” Amen.
Today’s decree:
Beirut shall be saved!
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