A Prayer In Memory Of September 11th

Scripture Reading: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.”— Psalm 34:18

Each year, this date reminds us of a moment of sorrow that reshaped our world.
We remember where we were when the news came.
We remember the shock, the fear, the silence that followed the falling towers.
We remember the lives lost—in the air, in the buildings, in the brave response—and the families who still carry absence like a shadow.

As people of faith, we also remember how, in the midst of the rubble, there were hands lifting, hearts comforting, prayers rising like incense from every corner of the nation.
We remember that even when evil tried to break us, compassion refused to let go.
And we remember that God was not absent that day—God wept with us.

When we pray on this day, we do more than look back. We look to God for healing in the present and hope for the future: that peace may take root where hatred sought to grow, and that love might become the lasting memorial to all who died.

Prayer:

God of mercy and comfort,
On this solemn day, we remember the tragedy of September 11th.
We lift before You the lives lost, the wounded in body and spirit,
and all who still grieve.

Hold in Your compassion those who mourn.
Strengthen those who serve and protect.
Guide our hearts away from fear and toward Your peace.
May we be builders of the world You desire—
a world where swords become plowshares,
and where love is stronger than hate.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
our refuge and our hope.
Amen.