A Litany of Prayer
Leader: On September 11, 2001, our lives were changed. Loss came into our world in a shocking and tragic way – loss of innocence as a nation, loss of security in our communities, loss of lives and livelihood for so many individuals. We shall never be the same after that black day. And yet we have survived. For this, we can give thanks to the God who provides all good things for our being as individuals and as a nation. Therefore let us mark this day with prayers of remembrance, prayers of healing, prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers for guidance as we go forward in our lives together.
Lord of the nations, God of our strength, the images of the tragedy of September 11 are still so vivid in our minds and in our senses. What we saw, how we felt, and what we said is still so very present for us. Yet with a gentle and caring hand, you have lifted us from the depths of despair and guided us to this time of remembrance.
People: We remember, as God’s people, that we are to love.
Leader: When we recall the firefighters who rushed upstairs as most everyone else was racing out, we can say together,
People: We remember selfless service.
Leader: When we recall the police officers who stood to protect and defend the people and performed their duties until the towers came crashing down on top of them, we can say together.
People: We remember selfless sacrifice for the safety of others.
Leader: When we recall the thousands of workers, women and men and, old and young, single and married, American-born and those born in countries around the world who did not escape the buildings.
Leader: When we remember the millions of Americans who gave so generously of their life and labor to endow funds to help the survivors and their families recover from their losses.
People: We are grateful for generosity.
Leader: We recall with joy the unity we felt in the outpouring of help, kindness, thoughtful words and deeds from at home and around the world.
People: We must hold firmly to our unity, borne forward now not of tragedy but of loving kindness.
Leader: As an act of remembrance, we light a candle to light the way to a better world for our children and our children’s children, and all the children of God. And, we light a candle in remembrance of our fallen brothers and sisters who gave their lives on September 11th, 2001.
Silence
All: God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Spirit give rise in us to broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and work in large ways and small for those things that make for peace. Bless the people and leaders of this nation and all nations so that warfare, like slavery before it, may become only a historic memory. We pray in the strong name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Amen.
By Rev. Eileen W. Lindner and Rev. Marcel A. Welty, National Council of Churches, adapted
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