For those who perished on September 11th at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon, and in the fields of Pennsylvania:
that they experience eternal life with God in heaven and the new creation, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For those who grieve:
for wives and husbands, parents, family and friends, that hearts saddened by the loss of loved ones might be strengthened with courage, and come to know the promise of Christ’s Resurrection and new life, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the children:
for those left without a parent, and for the children who witnessed the attacks: that they might flourish in the embrace of loving hearts, and the promise of life well lived, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For all those who helped:
for firefighters, police personnel, emergency service workers, for medics and counselors, for all who volunteered, that they experience the reward of generous service in atime of peril, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For the grace to forgive:
that our hearts be large enough to forgive those who struck our nation in such dreadful ways, we pray, even as we ask you to turn their hearts:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For world leaders and the governments of nations:
that they will put aside all petty concerns and work together, ensuring justice and peace for all, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
For a future of freedom and peace:
for courage, wisdom and strength of heart to live every day in hope for a peaceful world, grounded in the knowledge of God’s love and care for each of us and the hope of Resurrection, we pray:
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
Today we remember 9/11. The memories haunt us, the sounds echo in our ears, and the images fill our eyes,
O Christ, lead us home.
When we are hopeless and sad,
O Christ, lead us home.
When we are angry and vengeful,
O Christ, lead us home.
When tears become our only food,
O Christ, lead us home.
When we grieve and despair,
O Christ, lead us home.
When we are fearful and faithless,
O Christ, lead us home.
When in grief, anger, negligence, or ignorance we have turned against you and against one another,
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
When we speak unjustly against others, when we blame unfairly, when we withdraw or lash out,
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
When we seek revenge rather than reconciliation and peace,
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
Give us the will and courage to love and forgive our enemies.
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth,
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
Deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge.
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
Enable us all to stand reconciled before you.
Merciful God, forgive and heal us.
For men and women who have given their strength, their wisdom, and their lives for this country,
We thank you, Lord.
For firefighters, police officers, first responders, and all those who were injured or died so that others might be rescued, cared for, and protected,
We thank you, Lord.
For the brave and courageous who were patient in suffering, faithful in adversity, and selfless in sacrifice,
We thank you, Lord.
For all who participate in interfaith dialogue, relationships, and reconciliation,
We thank you, Lord.
For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ,
We thank you, Lord.
Collect at the Prayers
O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Shield of the fearful, Source of hope, as we mourn the sudden violence and the deaths of our brothers and sisters, show us the immense power of your goodness and strengthen our faith. Come swiftly to our aid, and have mercy on all who call on you. Comfort those who mourn this day and gather the dead in your mercy. Bring to us at last the peace you promise in Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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