September 11 Remembering the Right Things

I offer this prayer as we remember September 11


“Remembering the Right Things” by Jody Seymour

God of all people, part of us does not want to remember that day and the other part of us knows that we must. So we call to mind first those whose lives were lost to terror but who were only flying to a destination or working at their desks or simply living life that day.

We remember those who pushed aside their own safety and who did what they felt they had to do. They were firefighters, and policemen, and all those in a uniform or not who stepped into the smoke of uncertainty to offer hope and help.

We take a deep breath and offer you our helplessness as we remember husbands, and wives, and children who did not see the horror on TV as something to be witnessed but who lost part of themselves that day as they lost the people they loved. Bring them comfort as only you can, O God, into those spaces that are still vacant.

You must do something for us God that we often cannot do for ourselves. Lead us away from anger that seeks revenge for the rage of that day seemed almost contagious. Our understanding fails us so you must grant us a vision that goes beyond our understanding of it all. Your resurrection hope can arise in the midst of fallen towers and we ask for that hope this day of remembrance so that we can remember the right things rather than the wrong things.

Your child, O God, spoke words of forgiveness as he looked from his cross into a sea of terror and fear. How did he do that for we struggle so hard to even understand our enemies much less forgive them?

Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.

O God of all the nations, even those who claim you not, we need your wisdom and your strength to remember the right things.

“Blessed are those who morn for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Those are his words….your child’s words. Bless us this day, O God, as we try to believe them.

O God our help in Ages past, our hope for years to come; help us remember the right things this day. Amen.

jody