November 25, 2021

The Dangers of Praying for Lebanon: A Theological Reflection on Prayer, Economics, and National Blessing

By Nabil Habibi As we celebrated Lebanon’s Independence Day this week, and as the economic crisis continues to deepen, there have been renewed calls from Christians to pray for Lebanon. I have always felt uneasy about praying for my country. I do believe that prayer is essential. An active prayer […]
September 9, 2021

Getting Real in Prayer

by Kees  van der Knijff Too often these days, I find I am unable to pray more than a few words: “Lord, have mercy.” Overwhelmed by all that is happening in Lebanon and all around the world, everything else seems shallow, superfluous. Other mornings, I hear myself pray for justice, […]
July 29, 2021

Moving Away from Faithless, Self-Centered Prayers: Towards the ‘True Disciple’s Prayer’

By Bassem Melki “My Father, hallowed be my name, my kingdom come, my will be done, hopefully also in heaven as it is on earth. Give me today and everyday what I am entitled to. Help my debtors repay me their debts as I have repaid You my debts (if […]
July 8, 2021

Prayer in a Time of Dispossession

by Rabih Hasbany Astray in my homeland, estranged, I cry. My voice isn’t heard by those passing by, Echoing hungry, blighted country folk Who’ve come to live on their worries and sighs.   As I thought about this week’s blog post, I wondered which current event I should address. There […]
February 20, 2020

Seeking the Peace of the City: A Prayer that Changes Us

by Emad Botros I have prepared many lectures for theology students during my time on faculty at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, but I was recently reminded that the most meaningful lectures sometimes happen through conversations outside of the classroom. Last week I had an interesting chat with a student. […]
January 23, 2020

Church as Priesthood

by Elie Haddad We have been living through an uprising in Lebanon since October 17, 2019. Large numbers of Lebanese are revolting against the ruling elite and the deep-seated corruption that characterizes our political system. The plight is nowhere near a solution. Politicians are not heeding the demands of the […]
September 6, 2013

IMES Joins Worldwide Call to Prayer and Fasting for Syria

According to the Catholic News Agency, on September 1, Pope Francis called on people of all faiths and of no faith, “all people of good will,” to spend September 7 in prayer and fasting for the situation in Syria. The World Evangelical Alliance has already responded to this call. We are […]