Prayer: Prayer for September 11th

Loving God,

Today is a sobering reminder of the violence in this world. We remember our brothers and sisters who died in the tragedy of the September 11th attacks. Our national consciousness is forever changed. The memories are painful and our wounds that may never heal will be a reminder of all the suffering that exists among people of every nation.

Help us to be aware of the ways you build up your kingdom on this earth. Help us to live for your truth, firm in the hope of your salvation. May we live for you in imitation of your Son, so that we may be an example to our friends and family, and the family of nations.

May we find deeper meaning in our suffering, for we know that your death makes sense of all our suffering. We need courage in our times of trial and tribulation. May your Spirit console us and strengthen us so that we may point others to you who are our true hope.

Shape us to become better people and to make the world a better place because of our experience of this tragic event. Thank you for the lives of our national heroes. May we learn from their courage and valor. But mostly, I want my life to be worthy of you so that you may use my gifts and talents for what you most desire.

Remind us that the darkness of our suffering will cause us to do more good works on this Earth so that we can help others see your light in the darkness. Increase our belief in you. May we help engineer a peace in this world that is lasting. May we create a world that knows no more war, hatred, violence, or inequitable distribution of our finite world’s resources. May we learn to love our brothers and sisters in a manner like you love them.

Amen.