Prayer for Peace September 11, 2001 Remembrance

On this day, we recall the tragic and terrible events of September 11, 2001. Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters and marking their pain as our own. Remembrance is a sacred moment when we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment, the good who have passed. May God bring light to the darkness to address the sources of anger, hate, dehumanization, rage. and indignation that leads to violent actions. In loving memory and in hope for peace, we pray.

God of the ages, before your eyes all empires rise and fall, yet you are changeless. Be near us in this age of terror and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Holy 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, violence, and oppression may become only a historic memory. We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.