Prayer For 9/11 Remembrance
Dear God,
Even though the events of 9-11 took place long ago, most of us can still recall them like it was yesterday. Some, more then others, are still feeling the effects, and the pain.
On this day, we remember all those who lost their lives and their loved ones to this terrible tragedy. We lift up their families and their friends, and ask for strength, peace and comfort.
Amen.
We pray to live with memory, with constant love, with the promise both to combat evil and to cherish goodness. Do not let our pain cloud our hopes or crush our hearts. Help us grow through this tragedy, keep faith with its victims, and sustain our trust in You.
Universal Creator, grant us resilence in the face of hate, and the courage to face it with dignity. May we all unite and share one another's pain and tears. May the hatred in the world melt away in Your boundless and everlasting love. And living in Your Will, may all find peace, harmony and serenity.
While our landmarks collapsed in a cloud of smoke and debris, beneath a surge of shock and rage, something awakened in our hearts: compassion.
Good and gracious God,
Today
we come before you with heavy hearts
as we remember the events of 9/11.
For some of us
today is a mixed bag of emotions.
We hurt deeply
for those who lost their lives
and those who lost their loved ones.
We mourn the nearly 3000
who died that day.
We are humbled by the bravery of the first responders.
We continue to grieve with our neighbors
in the loss of our national innocence
our false sense of constant safety.
As we think of the way
New York and D.C. responded
with churches, synagogues and temples
opening their doors to ALL people,
as we remember strangers
carrying each other out of buildings,
as we are reminded of how
those who had much
shared with those who had lost,
and as we recall the bravery
of the passengers and crew
of United Airlines Flight 93
our pride wells up in us.
Yet, we struggle today,
not wanting to get caught up
in the macabre celebration,
the sometimes too prideful
remembrance of loss.
We still remember
how the world responded,
supporting us
and even declaring us one people.
Today We Are ALL Americans,
the headlines read.
And we remember the immediate call to war.
And the more than 1.5 million deaths from it.
God of all people,
teach us to be patriotic
but humbly so.
Teach us to see
the frailty, beauty and value of life
in light of this tragedy
rather than using it to elevate
trivial difference
to the heights
of divisive reasons for hatred.
Remind us
of the response of the American people
and not the response of the government
and its war machine.
Remind us
of the way
the true heart
of this nation's people was reveled
in open doors, open arms and open hearts.
Gracious God, our world changed with the 9/11 attacks. We have seen how easily buildings can fall and how quickly lives can end. As we remember 9/11, may it remind us that you are our only true security. Give us your strength to face the memory of this attack and the changes it made in our lives. Give us your compassion to help each other and recognize need around the world. Give us your hope as we face an uncertain future. Give us your peace.
Almight God,
We remember and honor those heroes who stepped in to help, to save, to serve.
And we will never forget those who gave their lives for the noble cause of resuing others. We are forever grateful, and pray blessing and comfort over their families. Amen.
We pray for your peace as we remember the terrorism attacks of 9/11. May our suffering from these attacks awaken in us an awareness of the pain and fear that so many around the world live with each day. May we know how to pray for those who struggle against oppression and injustice. As we hear of terrorist activity around the world, quiet our fears. Heal the wounded of these attacks, and help their families and friends rest in your security.