Prayer for 10th Anniversary of 9/11

M: Eternal God, Almighty Father, this past decade has been indelibly inscribed with memories. We looked with horror on the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. But we looked with honor on acts of courage by ordinary people who sacrificed themselves to prevent further death and destruction. We shed our tears in a common bond of grief for those loved and lost. We journeyed through a dark valley, but your light has led us to a place of hope. You have turned our grief into determination and our shock into passion. Lord, you are the beginning of all things and our Protector at all times. We thank you for your boundless mercy in keeping us safe from every physical and spiritual peril.

Almighty Father, strong to save, Whose arm has bound the restless wave,

Who bids the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep:
Oh, hear our earnest, humble plea For those in peril on the sea.

M: Jesus Christ, the nation we call “the land of the free and the home of the brave” has been your gift to us. If it depended upon our own abilities, we would no longer be free, and we are often not brave. You know only too well the sins of our nation and our inherent weaknesses. You have looked into our hearts and seen our self-centeredness. You have seen the apathy that has grown over us and our nation this past decade. For many of us, the events of 9/11 are a distant memory. There is an indifference to the fires of the terrorists and an even more disturbing disregard for the fires of the Evil One in hell. Yet you have not forsaken us. You have protected us. You persist in forgiving us. You continue to ask “God to shed his grace on thee.” You lived for us, you died to pay for the total debt of our personal, nation’s and world’s sins, and you rose again to show that you have conquered sin and death and hell forever. We thank you that in your mercy you promise  to protect us wherever we go from every danger and threatening peril.

O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain O'er which our traffic runs amain

By mountain pass or valley low; Wherever, Lord, your people go,
Protect them by your guarding hand From ev'ry peril on the land.

M: Holy Spirit, give us a faith to live as citizens of two kingdoms – as American citizens who cherish the freedoms we enjoy and as citizens of the Kingdom of heaven who live every day to your glory. Inspire us to stand up for Jesus, fight the good fight and lift high Christ’s royal banner. For though crowns and thrones may perish and kingdoms rise and wane, the Church of Jesus constant will remain. Make us remember that we do not go into battle alone. For the Lord of hosts and His angelic army is with us. Plus, we are following in the footsteps of the white-robed saints and martyrs who have gone before us. In your mercy, unite us as a Nation, but more importantly, as your Holy Christian Church on earth and protect us from every hostile and threatening peril.

O Spirit, whom the Father sent To spread abroad the firmament;

O Wind of heaven, by your might Save all who dare the eagle's flight,
And keep them by your watchful care From ev'ry peril in the air.

M: Holy Trinity, watch over and protect all who are working to care for those in need: police, firefighters, rescue workers, doctors, nurses, counselors and other aide workers who demonstrate compassion as part of their vocations. Triune God, be with all those who share your life-giving Gospel with others: pastors, teachers, missionaries, chaplains, church members, parents and children so we might share the message of peace in Christ in this troubled world and the certain hope of eternal life with you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in heaven. As we hear of war and rumors of war, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them as they mourn the loss of their comrades, and grant them diligence in their high calling of defending the freedoms of our great land. Protect them and all of us wherever we go and from every peril from air and land and sea.

O Trinity of love and pow'r, Your people shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe, Protect them all where'er they go;
Thus ever more to you shall be Glad praise from air and land and sea.

Silence as we remember, thank and offer up our own prayers on this anniversary of 9/11.