In September 2002, the world will have lived through a year of anger, grief, loss, and vulnerability following the 9/11 attacks. Below are prayers and a litany written by UMCOR staff member Beverly Bartlett. These may be used worship services observing this anniversary. In addition, the following web pages have resources that may be helpful in planning worship in uncertain, sorrowful, and fearful times.
based on Psalm 127:1-2 and Psalm 128:1-2
Leader:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
All:
Merciful God, we confess our tendency to rely solely on our own strength and ability. Now more than ever, we know that works of human hands alone will fail. Now more than ever, we need your guidance as we build our common life together with our neighbors close to home and far away.
Leader:
"Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain."
All:
Merciful God, we confess that we rely upon weapons of our own making-- and we know no security. We are learning that ultimately we cannot protect ourselves through warfare and violence. Help us to lean on you, trusting that whatever befalls, we are secure in your love alone.
Leader:
"It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for God gives sleep to his beloved."
All:
Merciful God, we confess that we live frantic lives in a never-ending effort to be sure we have enough, to strive for more, to achieve success and security. Help us to stop our ceaseless activity, to rest in you, and to keep a Sabbath.
Leader:
"Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in God’s ways. You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall go well with you."
All:
Eternal God, in Jesus Christ you taught us to walk in your ways. In Christ, our sins are forgiven and we are freed to follow a new path-- and it shall go well with us. Thanks be to God.
Leader:
Jesus said, "Do not be afraid," but we live in a fearful time and it is difficult to trust in God.
All:
Forgive us God, when fear controls us, dictating our thoughts and actions toward others. Help us to trust in the power of your love. May the rule of our lives be love not fear.
Leader:
Jesus said, "Love one another, as I have loved you," but we live in a world filled with hatred and distrust of those who are different.
All:
Forgive us God, when we judge our neighbors, stereotype them, ignore them, or shut them out. Help us to love as you love: seeing the value of each human being, reaching out with healing words, and welcoming the stranger.
Leader:
Jesus said, "Peace, I give you," but we live in a world torn by war and violence.
All:
Forgive us God, our brokenness. Our wills are too weak to take the risky steps that make for peace. Help us to be brave, to speak out for peace, to build bridges of understanding, and to seek reconciliation in all our relationships-- between friends, family members, communities, peoples, and nations.
Leader:
Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven. Go, and sin no more."
All:
Praise be to God, who makes all things new! Inspire and enliven us to live as forgiven people. With your Spirit and love, empower us to bring life, hope, and peace to a broken and hurting world. Amen.
Giver of all good gifts, in these troubled times we thank you for your steadfast love, for our homes, families and friends, for all that sustains us in our daily lives, and for all that brings beauty and hope to our world. As we bring these offerings, we pray that you would guide us in their use. May our gifts, our words, our works, and our lives witness to your love and be instruments of your peace. In Christ, we pray. Amen
Leader:
Eternal God, amidst all the turmoil and changes of our world, we know that you are constant, our firm foundation in the midst of every storm and upheaval.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
We pray for people who live in fear-- for Israelis and Palestinians alike who risk their lives merely going about their daily business. We pray for all who live in fear of terrorism-- in the Middle East, in Northern Ireland, the Philippines, Colombia, India, and the United States. Whether we worship you as Christian, Jew, or Muslim, give us courage. When fear threatens to paralyze us, embolden our hearts that we may continue to live active, faithful lives.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
We pray for people oppressed by poverty, political and military force, or lack of education and opportunity. Give them hope, strength, and a constructive way to break the cycle of poverty. Give us who have so much the will and the drive to fight against oppression of every kind.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
We pray for all who have lost their lives in the events of this past year, and for those they love who are left to mourn and carry on. We hold in our hearts the victims and survivors of September 11, and those who have died in the violence and war that has erupted since then in Afghanistan, Nigeria, the Philippines, and the Middle East. Bless those who have been lost, that their souls may live on in your love and presence. Bless those who mourn, may they find comfort, strength, and hope in your presence and our compassion.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
We pray for our world leaders and for all people who are in a position to negotiate, to stop the escalating violence, to work for peace, and to choose a path of reconciliation. Give them wisdom in perilous situations and the will to make sacrifices for the common good, to enter into dialogue, to compromise, and to reconcile.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
We pray for those who have lost their jobs. Give them hope, guide them in their search, and strengthen them in their efforts to make ends meet. Keep us mindful of those who are struggling that we may reach out with the support and resources they need in this challenging time.
Response:
Out of depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer!
Leader:
Ever present God, calm our fears. Guide us as we struggle to live in this rapidly changing world. We pray that we may remain loving, kind, and open to your presence in our lives, in our neighbors, and in the world around us.
Response:
Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord. Hear our prayer! Amen.
See also: Interfaith Open House: An Invitation to You and Your Congregation.
Photo Credit: copyright © Diana Barnett, September 2001, Used by permission. The picture(s) on this page was taken in Manhattan within a week after the collapse of the World Trade Center. Click on the photo to see a larger version.
