Joining us in prayer on the 25th Anniversary of September 11th

Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. — Isaiah 40:1

Though it was 25 years ago, many still cry out for comfort from the lasting trauma of 9/11. Like many of you, I can vividly picture the moment I learned about the attacks on September 11th. Those moments changed our understanding of the world. As we commemorate 25 years, we hear stories of lives that were changed as a result.

The Rev. Bill Hemm, pastor of Forest Park Christian Church in Tulsa, Okla., has graciously shared his sermon “Where Was God?” Pastor Bill was in the South Tower and is currently undergoing cancer treatment for his exposure to toxins in the air. His story not only reminds us of God’s presence on that day but also unpacks some of our theological wrestling of an event that was so traumatic.

As we approach the anniversary of this day, the names of those who perished will be read at the memorial site, and memories will be shared and tears may be shed. The Church is called to hear those who are crying in need of comfort. Will you join me in praying?

God of us all, we pray for all of those who stand in need your comfort, peace and healing.

• We pray for individuals who experienced firsthand the terror of that morning, whose memories will never leave them, who face mental and physical health challenges, and who continue to process their experiences.

• We pray for the families who lost loved ones, and the lasting trauma on the children of first responders who have PTSD as a result of what their parents experienced.
• We pray for citizens of New York, and for all of those around Ground Zero who were shocked by the attacks on their city that day. And we pray for those who are experiencing long-term health issues.

• We pray for people across the country who not only showed up to support the victims of that day but found a way to support their communities as well.

• We pray for the international impact of that day as we remember the but also to the more than seventy countries who lost citizens. May we continue to remember our connection with one another, and work for unity in the world.
• We pray for the Islamophobia that continues to perpetuate harm. May we learn not to dehumanize or demonize the other and remember that we are all God’s children.
• We pray for peace, and for those whose lives are torn apart today by situations of war or violence.

• We pray that we will always remember how connected we are to one another, and that the events of 25 years ago still impact individuals, communities, our country and the world today.

May every heart that is hurting experience your comfort and peace. And may we, as your people, continue to offer kindness and love to one another. Amen.