Freedom for Fouad Al Farhan

My post today was going to be entitled “Wish Fouad Had This Back-Up”, linking a CNN story about an American journalist who ‘twittered’ his way out of jail.

Thank God, it wasn’t! Saudi Jeans reports he was released, is with his family and Jeddah, and is in high spirits. Thanks for breaking the great news, Nas!

Since receiving inspiration from MommaBean’s post, I have been praying for him according to the Psalm of the number of days he has been detained, using the theme of the Psalm or characteristic of God revealed in it as a foundation. Psalm 135 speaks of the great things God has done, so I prayed Fouad and family would  have faith for better days based on God’s previous faithfulness. Psalm 136  proclaims: “His mercy endures forever” after each stanza of His faithfulness. Since ‘mercy’ is more specifically translated ’steadfast loving kindness’, I prayed Fouad and his wife would be encouraged that no matter how bad or long it seemed, His steadfast loving  kindness would be real to them.

Today was Psalm 137 which was entitled “Tears in Exile”, which I initially learned as a song from the rock-opera “Godspell”, it is a special one to me. It seemed a very appropriate commemoration, although one I found no encouragement in to pray, only tears of empathy and longing for home.

Tomorrow, I will rejoice in Psalm 138 as I end 138 days of intercession for a fellow free-thinker who paid a steep price for speaking his convictions. Here is Psalm 138, called: ‘God Answered My Prayer”, a perfect end to this chapter of Fouad’s journey:

I will praise You with my whole heart;

Before the gods I will sing praises to you.

I will worship toward Your holy temple, and praise Your name

For Your lovingkindness and Your truth;

For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.

In the day I cried out to You, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul

All the kings of  the earth shall praise You, O Lord,

When they hear the words of Your mouth.

Yes, they will sing of the ways of the Lord,

For great is the glory of the Lord.

Though the Lord is on high, He regards the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me

You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

And Your right hand will save me.

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me, You mercy O Lord, endures forever.

Indeed, as MB mentioned, it is fitting that Foud was released just before Easter, and I join her in proclaiming that God is awesome!!!!