Prayer, day 2054: On the anniversary of the September 11 attacks

Most Merciful God,
You show us through the glorious Trinity
the way of mutual love that leads to action:
hear our prayers, we pray.

That we remember those
we have lost through violence and terror,
and honor their lives by sowing peace and concord,
we pray You, O God.

That we may ever be steadfast, noble, and true,
willing to lay down our lives for others,
even those we have not met,
we pray You, O God.

That we may honor those who died this day,
and those who loved them,
by being embodiments of charity and generosity,
we pray You, O God.

That we may place no bonds upon each other
but the bonds of love, equality, and peace,
we pray You, O God.

That we may be knit together in a common cause
to nourish all who hunger
in body, mind, or soul,
we pray You, O God.

That we may use our might for mercy and justice,
rather than vengeance and violence,
we pray You, O God.

That we may be faithful and compassionate stewards
of your wondrous creation,
we pray You, O God.

Ground of our Being,
Creator, Comforter,
hear the prayers of your people,
and extend your peace over those we now name.

Amen.

Image: the newly completed Tower of Voices at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA. Photo from the National Park Service.