A QUOTE, A TEXT AND A PRAYER…OR TWO. From September 8 − 12 the events of 9/11, 2001 shape these daily readings
A QUOTE
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin? The Blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round? On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away? In Jesus’ keeping we are safe and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours? Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
It is enough: earth’s struggles soon shall cease, Jesus call us to heavens perfect peace.
Edward H Bickersteth (1825-1906)
A TEXT
The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By his mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!’
The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord .
For the Lord does not abandon anyone forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion according to the greatness of his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:22-26; 31-32 (NLT)
AND A PRAYER…OR TWO
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will but also those of evil will. But do not remember all the suffering they have inflicted upon us; remember the fruits we have borne thanks to this suffering – our comradeship, our loyalty, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart which has grown out of all this; and when they come to the judgment, let all the fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness. Amen. Prayer written by an unknown prisoner in the Ravensbrück Concentration Camp and found on a piece of wrapping paper in the camp near the body of a dead child.
Ever-loving God, we bring before you the deep tensions and divisions of our world: the desire of some to dominate, the willingness of others to resort to violence, the misery of those whose lives are blighted by fear, suffering, grief and sorrow. Set in our hearts, we pray, a spirit which will draw us together in understanding, unite us in friendship, and finally establish the transforming power of your reign over all the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pray for the servants of God, known and unknown, who responded with self-giving love on September 11, 2001 and who continued to offer their services in the days, weeks and months following that tragic day.
For their dedication and tireless resolve to answer the cries of those in need.
We give you thanks, O Lord.