A Prayer for September 11

Jesus! the Name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease.

'Tis music in the sinners ears, 'tis life and health and peace.

And yet, precious Lord, today we remember a day when it seemed that life, and health and peace might never feel secure. We remember when fears and sorrows glowed from every television screen. We confess that we were afraid, and sometimes we are still afraid, and sometimes we believe more in the things we fear than in the good news that you have overcome the world.

On this day of memories, grant that we might remember courage as well. Let us remember the courage of the police officers, firefighters, first responders and chaplains who ran toward the scenes of our fears. Let us remember the passengers of United 93, and the countless unnamed people who put the lives of their co-workers ahead of their own in the darkened tower stairwells and the Pentagon halls. Let us remember the resilience of those who still grieve their loved ones.

May their example give us the imagination we need to overcome our fears. May we live as those who fear least, for we have the sure promise that we need not fear those who kill the body, but cannot harm our souls. May we run fearlessly to love our neighbors, to comfort those who mourn, and pray for our enemies. Let us not flee toward our own safe retreats. May we run with your Name on our lips, the name that outlasts all kingdoms of this world, and may we say it again and again until all fears are charmed and all sorrows cease, even our own. May our courage prepare the world for the day when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that you are Lord - reigning with the Father and the Holy Spirt, one God - then, now, and forever. Amen.