Tension is mounting in Egypt as reports swirl that President Hosni Mubarak will shortly announce that he step down and transfer authority to the Egyptian Higher Council of the Armed Forces. Crowds have gathered in Cairo awaiting Mubarak’s message.

The interim leadership group will be comprised of the minister of defense, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi — who stands atop the military hierarchy – the military’s chief of staff, the chief of operations, and commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Air Defenses.

“God, we pray now for the peace and stability of Egypt. Give Mubarak peace and wisdom and courage to speak with humility and hope in this time of crisis. Settle the nation and the citizens with calm and patience. Give strength and courage to this leadership group. May they act prudently. Keep at bay radicals and revolutionaries who might seek to inflame and agitate during this season of transition. Bring a new day in Egypt…. In Jesus…”