9/11 Prayer

This week has been full of reflection upon 9/11 and how it has shaped our current world.  I thought it best, at first, to stay silent on this matter.  I know, full well, that many churches will reflect on the tragedy when they gather in remembrance and celebration of Christ tomorrow...which in some way gives me pause!  Will our reflection on this tragedy be nationalistic?  Will we pray for the lost?  Will we honor the heros?  Depending on the community you are part of, at least one, if not all, will happen.  While some this is good, and some of it is, no doubt, theologically wrong, I ask myself, what should we do tomorrow?  Certainly, I'd agree with many that we ought to honor the dead and those who risked their lives for the lives of others, but we should not forget to pray for those who were behind this act of violence.  Prayer for enemies, hoping for those who cause such acts of violence is part of our Christian call...is is not?  With that, I offer this prayer:

God of all creation,
maker of all good things,
please be with the victims of violence.
Forgive us, Savior, Son of God, for
the violence and hate we cause.

We confess that the world is not ours to save.

We confess that we, the world, belong only to you;

this world is yours to save, and yours only.

Help us to be faithful to your will for our lives: to

partner with you in the redemption of all things.
Father, be with those who are the cause of such
unspeakable violence.  We confess that we are no
better, for we are all capable of hurting others,
and we too, are guilty of sin.
We ask you God, please grant us the gift of your
Spirit, that we may live gracefully toward those who
hate, to those who hurt, and to those who suffer.
Spirit, teach us mercy.  Enable us to extend the
mercy of Christ to those who are hurting and to those who
cause hurt.  God forgive us, and help us to forgive others.
This world is yours; your Son, Christ, died for all the world.
Help us to see the whole world and everyone in it, as recipients of
your free gift of grace.

Amen