A Prayer for Sept. 11, 2011

Gracious God on this day we remember those who died senselessly and pray for peace and healing for the children who lost their parents; for the parents who lost their children; for the wives who lost their husbands; for the husbands who lost their wives. Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

We pray for those who served and faced tragedy and death, more concerned with others than themselves, for civil servants, first responders, and service members who chose to risk their safety to save the lives of others. Heal their hearts and their bodies, Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

We pray for our city and our nation that has not been the same, for the loss of innocence, the grip of fear, and then depth of uncertainty that this anniversary causes us to recall. For your grace we pray to fill you people, Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer

We pray for every service member who has been called away from their family to serve since that day; for every family that has lost a daughter or son, father or mother, friend or relative that you would give those who remain peace and comfort in their loss, Lord in your mercy…hear our prayer.

Lastly God we pray for peace. Peace in our lives, peace for those who have suffered and those who mourn. Peace for those who are shaken by fear and haunted by memories of what they have seen and endured. Peace for our nation, peace for the nations, until the day that Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven, we will pray, Lord in your mercy…hear our prayers.

In the name of the Father who comforts troubled children, the Son who died that we might have life, and the Holy Spirit, the giver of perfect peace we pray. Amen