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
People draw near to God in their distress, pleading for help and begging peace and bread, rescue from guilt and sickness, nearly dead. Christian or not, all come in helplessness.
People draw near to God in his distress: find him rejected, homeless, without bread, burdened with sin and weakness, nearly dead. Christians stand with God in his wretchedness.
And God draws near to people in distress, feeding their souls and bodies with his bread; Christian or not, for both he’s hanging dead, forgiving, from the cross, their wickedness.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45) translated Alan Gaunt
A TEXT
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.John 16:33
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35
AND A PRAYER…OR TWO
God of compassion, God of comfort, God of healing,
Today, on the anniversary of the Twin Towers terrorist attack, We stop to reflect on tragedy in our world.
On tragedy from acts of unspeakable evil, On tragedy from war and conflict, On tragedy from natural causes and events; From earthquake and tsunami, From hurricane, typhoon and cyclone, From floods and drought; We pause before you, God most high.
For those who are now in distress, Grant mercy, grant relief, grant refreshment;
For those who mourn and grieve, May they find you in their sorrow and be comforted;
For those who struggle to bring relief, help and healing, Grant strength, grant protection, grant encouragement;
For those who govern or control the world’s resources, May they hear your call to action and respond with love and generosity;
For those whose hearts are evil and desire only to hurt others, Grant a vision of your goodness, grant repentance, grant forgiveness;
For ourselves, overwhelmed and inadequate, May we know the joy of hearing your voice, the strength to do what you say and the peace and comfort of your Spirit.
In times of tragedy, We turn again to you, The one that is God of all that is truly good. Amen
Lord Christ, shine upon all who are in the darkness of suffering or grief; that in your light they may receive hope and courage, and in your presence may find their rest and peace; for your love’s sake. Amen. Alan Warren
O Lord, support us all the day long of this troublesome life, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes; the busy world is hushed, the fever of life is over and our work is done. Then Lord, in thy mercy, grant us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at the last, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. A Prayer of John Henry Newman chosen by the families of the British victims of 9/11 for the memorial service in Westminster Abbey, November 2001
Pray for those who perished in the line of duty: God hear our prayers of remembrance and our grateful thanks for their lives poured out for the sake of those in peril. We give you thanks, O Lord.