God, we come to you as nation in pain.
Hate has wounded us yet again.
We watched in horror as men
whose hearts were filled with hatred,
destroyed the lives of thousands of innocent people.
But our hearts also swelled with pride
as we saw hundreds of Americans,
whose hearts were filled with love and service,
sacrifice their lives trying to save others.
The brave firemen,
who marched undaunted
into those burning buildings.
Those co-workers who perished
because they refused to leave
the side of the paralyzed or the infirmed.
But our hearts also swelled with pride
as we saw hundreds of Americans,
whose hearts were filled with love and service,
sacrifice their lives trying to save others.
The brave firemen,
who marched undaunted
into those burning buildings.
Those co-workers who perished
because they refused to leave
the side of the paralyzed or the infirmed.
We find so much hope
in their heroism.
Last week,
our nation lost so many good people,
and for years to come
we will all hunger for their smiles,
for their laughter,
for their counsel,
for their fellowship.
This tragedy has cast a shadow
of fear and sadness
over our nation
and today we weep
for the innocent who have left us.
We mourn for those
who have been taken from us.
Those precious children
on their first plane ride.
That father,
in pursuit of his career.
That mother
trying to keep her children
clothed and fed.
That young professional
trying to make ends meet.
When we think of them,
we are overwhelmed
by what seems like an unbearable sense of loss.
But God,
help us to remember
that just as every flower in a storm
is safe with you,
we know the innocent are safe also,
God,
in your care.
Because of your love
we believe we will see
our loved ones again.
Help us to remember
that in our sorrow
we do not weep alone.
You weep with us.
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