I found this prayer by Jill Duffield, a Presbyterian pastor, wife and mother. I thought it was worth sharing. I was particularly touched by the fourth stanza. My thoughts today are with friends in the USA, and others still affected by events of that dreadful day...
God of grace and God of glory, on this anniversary of the
terrorist attacks of 9/11, grant us the wisdom to remember the lessons from
that tragic day that make us more Christ-like. Drive away from us any vengeful
urges, any hate-filled sentiment, any whisper from within or without that goads
us to return evil for evil. As the world still heaves with violence and war seems to
never end, assure us, Prince of Peace, that ultimately crying and mourning will
be no more. In the midst of suffering, our own and that of the world, speak
again, Creator God, your performative Word of life and its goodness.
We pray for those whose lives were forever changed on
September 11, 2001. Grant comfort to those who grieve. Strengthen those who
struggle with questions that remain unanswered. Assure those who worry that
they should have said or done something differently that you gather up all the
fragments of our lives, bless and use them in ways that nourish.
We thank you, Lord of all, for the people who every day put
their lives in danger to protect and serve others. We pray for first responders, medical personnel, police officers, firefighters and
all who never know what work will bring on any given day. Grant
them wisdom, courage and rest.
We are grateful for the new life born since the attacks
– for those beloved children who don’t remember that day. We give thanks
for the saints who were with us then, but have since gone on to eternal life. When
we mark anniversaries of sorrow, corporately or alone, may they be occasions to
discern what truly matters, let go of what really doesn’t and recognize your
grace, Almighty God, that pervades it all.
In the name of Jesus, the light of the world, the Prince of
Peace, the Good Shepherd, our friend and our helper, we pray. Amen.
We pray for those whose lives were forever changed on
September 11, 2001. Grant comfort to those who grieve. Strengthen those who
struggle with questions that remain unanswered. Assure those who worry that
they should have said or done something differently that you gather up all the
fragments of our lives, bless and use them in ways that nourish.
Thank you for this prayer.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many problems in the world today.
I am sorry to say that 9/11 often comes around as a suprise to me, it sounds as if it were November 9th. Lesley
Me too - I just happened to catch a TV documentary on Thursday evening and it reminded me
DeleteAmen.
ReplyDelete🙏
DeleteI watched a lot of documentaries about the events on 9/11, on TV, today. It's one of those days that will always be remembered by those of us who were alive and old enough to remember it, I think.
ReplyDeleteI think so. I remember the day JFK was shot roo
DeleteAmen. xx
ReplyDelete🙏
DeleteLovely and apt prayer.
ReplyDeleteThis day brings remembered heartbreak still.
Hugs
💔
DeleteAll the other victims of 9/11 get forgotten.
ReplyDeleteWe met a group of hundreds of widows in Nigeria from the 9/11- coordinated attacks in their region.
It is good to be reminded of ALL rose affected. Thank you NG ❤️
DeleteThis actually happened the day before our daughter was 21, we had lovely things planned which happened but obviously overshadowed by this terrible event. But we did raise a huge amount that night donating to a local Fire Brigade charity. Love and hugs Gill Xx
ReplyDeleteA day we will always remember
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