A Prayer

Hear our prayers, O loving Lord, our God. Please listen closely to them, for they are not for us but for others.

Comfort those whose loved ones were killed in the terrorist attack on our beloved country, America. Grant them courage and strength as they pick up the pieces of their lives and go on. Be their companion on the rough road that lies ahead.

Aid our president and his advisors as they deal with this crisis, and as they guide America out of the rubble of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

We thank you, O God, for the dedication and bravery of all the firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel. Many gave their lives that others may be saved.

We are so grateful for all the many volunteers who gave through their skills, blood donations, financial contributions, and in many other ways, including the thoughts and prayers of their hearts.

We will remember forever those who were so brutally killed on that Tuesday morning when the sun shone and marigolds still bloomed. We will never forget their loved ones who told us about them on the television newscasts we watched.

We think of the heroes on the plane near Pittsburgh who took control from the hijackers to protect other lives and our government. We think of the other heroes on those other three planes who also faced their last minutes with bravery and courage. Although they now live in paradise with You, a part of them will always be with us—inspiring us to move on, to rebuild, and always to love.