Streams of Mercy

A Service of Remembrance

On the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, we remember O Lord, all whose lives were changed on September 11. Bless our remembrance and bless our prayers as we come before you,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For all victims who went to work or boarded planes that morning, never guessing what the day would bring, and for all who were caught in the attacks and lost their lives.

We pray to you, O Lord.

For those who resisted terror at the price of their own lives,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For all who worked valiantly and selflessly to help others,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For the firefighters and police officers who rushed in as others rushed out,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For houses of worship that opened their doors in the midst of chaos to provide places of rest and solace, prayer and hope,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For innocent people who were treated with hatred or suspicion because of their religion or nationality,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For this citizenry of many nationalities, races and religions,

We pray to you, O Lord.

For ourselves, as we remember that day as if it were only yesterday,

We pray to you, O Lord.

From all that threatens to divide us in the wake of 9/11,

Lord, deliver us.

From prejudice, hatred and a desire for revenge,

Lord, deliver us.

In all times of sorrow; in all times of fear; in the hour of our death and at the day of judgment,

Lord deliver us.

By your ministry in word and work; by your mighty acts of power; by the preaching of your reign,

Lord, deliver us.

Let us pray, saying together:

Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. .

Let us sing together:

God bless America,

land that I love.

Stand beside her and guide her

through the night with a light from above;

from the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans white with foam.

God bless America,

My home, sweet home.

God bless America,

My home, sweet home.

Let us remember 9/11.

Elizabeth Forester