Prayer on Sept. 11

Merciful Heavenly Father, on this gloomy day when we remember those terrible events of five years ago, we humbly come before you in prayer. We confess to you our many sins, both of commission and omission. We have fallen short, as a people and as a Church, from your vision for us. Where you have desired reconciliation, we have offered war. Where you have desired forgiveness, we have offered vengeance. Where you have desired embraces, we have offered guns. Forgive us, we pray. Inspire us with your Spirit anew this day, that we might strive earnestly toward perfection in love, that someday this date might be remembered for positive change rather than for hatred, violence, pain, and death. Comfort those this day who still grieve for loved ones lost five years ago, and in the war which has followed. Be with the leaders of our nation and the world, that they would seek your will in all things, and that we as a people might finally learn to solve our problems at a common table of understanding, rather than through terror and bombs. Speak this day to Osama Bin Laden and all the terrorists still at large, reveal your Son to them and lead them to faith in Christ, and grant your Church the courage it needs to forgive and embrace them, through and for Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.