Remembrance for the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001
Leader: Gracious God, in humility we ask your blessings as we remember a day of great violence twenty years ago.
People: You are the everlasting God, whose love extends to all generations. Blessed be the name of the Lord!
We remember with sadness the thousands who died on September 11, 2001, men and women of wealth, blue-collar workers, military members, government employees, airline passengers and crew - all the people who perished in flames and pain.
We are thankful for the bravery of police officers, firefighters and others who selflessly went into danger to rescue the stricken, and lost their lives or suffered injury in their service.
Continue, O Lord, to give comfort to the families of those who died, grace to those who still struggle with anguished memories or the effects of injuries.
May your Spirit rest upon each one who endured that day, and let the assurance of your presence be strong with them always.
We pray for the people of our land and lands far away, who have suffered or died in the wars of the last twenty years.
We pray for our military and their families, who have lost their lives, endured separation and hardship and for many of whom the war will never truly end.
We pray for our enemies as you commanded us to do. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ fall upon everyone who wishes us harm. May we never take your favor for granted, but strive always to abide humbly in your service.
Help us Lord, to love our enemies and do good to them.
Guide us, O Holy One, to be a nation of holy people. We confess we are not at peace among ourselves or with many peoples across the globe. Lead us of your Churches to move on to Christian perfection in this life.
We renew our commitment to live as faithful disciples of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and we renew our obligation to you to lead others to do so also.
We repent of our sins and pledge to devote ourselves to your Kingdom above all.
Let there be peace on the earth, O Lord, and let it begin within us and by us starting this day.
Hear us now as we pray together the prayer that our Savior taught us:
Our Father, who are in heaven ... .
Hear us now as we pray together the prayer that our Savior taught us:
Our Father, who are in heaven ... .
