A wounded civilian is rushed from the site of a car bomb in a Christian suburb of Beirut. Anti-Syrian lawmaker Antoine Ghanem was killed in a car bombing in a Christian suburb of Beirut on Wednesday, plunging deeply divided Lebanon into further chaos just days ahead of a crucial presidential election.(AFP/Marwan Harmouche)
"By the intersession of your Mother, O Lord, turn your wrath from the land and its inhabitants. Put an end to trouble and sedition, banish from it war, plunder, hunger and plague. Have pity on us in our misfortunes. Console those of us who are sick. Help us in our weakness. Deliver us from oppression and exile. Grant eternal rest to our dead. Allow us to live in peace in this world that we may glorify you."
VIIth century Maronite prayer
That prayer continues today.