Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Time for prayers of peace are never late nor inappropriate.
Please pray with me today the proper collect for this day from our Episcopal tradition:
O Almighty God, who brings good out of evil and turns even the wrath of your children towards your promised peace: Hear our prayers this day as we remember those of many nations and differing faiths whose lives were cut short by the fierce flames of anger and hatred. Hasten the time when the menace of war shall be removed. Cleanse both us and those perceived to be our enemies of all hatred and distrust. Pour out the spirit of peace on all the rulers of our world that we may be brought through strife to the lasting peace of the kingdom of your Son; Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Even as we continue to see violence on our city streets that leads to death and despair, we also remember the tragic day of September 11, 2001. May our thoughts not turn to anger or retribution, rather may they turn to the practices of peace and perseverance. Forgiveness seems very difficult when it comes to senseless tragedy fueled by evil, and in the case of 9/11 and for all the cases of unimaginable violence since, we must be vigilant and seek forgiveness, if not for those who would do evil, but for ourselves.
This prayer comes from the Roman diocese of Chicago. It echoes my prayer that is marked with a heavy burden. I was an EMS chief leading crews in practices of high-rise rescues on this day with the Overland Park Fire Department and will never-ever forget how the day unfolded. We all stopped what we were doing and became glued to the media wondering if, where and when another unseemingly destructive force could reach the KC area. In the quick moments of that reality plans were already underway to be part of the relief crews that would respond to NYC.
May this prayer allow us to remember the sacrifices made in light of the mass destruction and death of so many. We as a nation can never forget, and we as a nation will always persevere for peace and resolve.
Prayer of Remembrance For 9/11
Lord of Mercy, Prince of Peace,
This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.
This day does not pass in the calendar without our remembering.
We remember images of death and destruction. Images that human eyes were never meant to see. We remember words our ears were never meant to hear, the tender last words of husbands and wives who would never embrace again.
We imagine the feeling of emptiness in the arms of children who at the end of the day could not find mom or dad for their welcome home hug. We remember our own feelings of emptiness as our sense of security, as our own confidence in the predictable order of life and work was radically shaken.
This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.
We remember the heroism of the many that lost their lives in saving others. We remember all those who suffered and died, we grieve for them still, friends and strangers alike, along with their families and friends.
This date, 9-11, carries a heavy burden of memory.
And it is right that it should not pass from our memory. But today and in this prayer, along with our remembrance of profound loss, it also seems right that we give voice to our deep longing for peace, and with this prayer, commit ourselves to those actions that will draw us closer to our most ancient and most holy desire, peace among all God's children.
Dona nobis pacem.
Lord, grant us peace. Amen.
Monetary gifts are also gratefully accepted. The pantry is also looking for volunteers on the 2nd Tuesday (4-6 pm) and the 3rd Saturday (10 am - noon) of each month. Call Pat Carle to help.
