PRAYERS IN SOLEMN MEMORY

OF
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

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WHAT WE LEARNED THAT DAY:
That evil is real
That hate makes victims of the innocent
That security is an illusion
That fear is crippling
That life is fragile

WE ALSO LEARNED THAT DAY:
That heroes are real
That courage is selfless
That bravery rises above terror
That there is strength in unity

WE THEREFORE DECLARE:
That loss is worth remembering
That sacrifice is worth honoring
That freedom is worth defending
That God is our refuge
That hope sustains us
That love conquers all
Adapted from Igniter Media 9/11: What we learned
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Psalm 46 read in unison
God is our hope and strength, *
a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved, *
and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof rage and swell, *
and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.

There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, *
the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most Highest.

God is in the midst of her,
therefore shall she not be removed; *
God shall help her, and that right early.

Be still then, and know that I am God; *
I will be exalted among the nations,
and I will be exalted in the earth.

The LORD of hosts is with us; *
the God of Jacob is our refuge.

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Celebrant: The Lord be with you
People: And also with you

Lord have mercy upon us
Christ have mercy upon us
Lord have mercy upon us

Celebrant: Let us pray

For the Victims, Families and Friends of 9/11
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day
the victims of 9/11. We thank you for giving them to their
family and friends, to know and to love as companions on
their earthly pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion,
console those who mourn. Give them faith to see in death the gate
of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence they may continue
their course on earth, until, by your call, they are reunited with
those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Most merciful God, whose wisdom is beyond our
understanding: Deal graciously with survivors and first responders in their grief.
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Surround them with your love, that they may not be
overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in your
goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who
die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in
joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good
examples of all your servants, who, having finished their
course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with
all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have
perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting
glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Heroic Service
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful
hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of
decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant
that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the
benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This
we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


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For those in the Armed Forces of our Country
Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and
keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home
and abroad. Defend them day by day with your heavenly
grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give
them courage to face the perils which beset them; and grant
them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love
our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth;
deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in
your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Peace

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know
you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend
us, you humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that
we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of
any adversaries; through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen.

The Celebrant concludes:
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,
and giving life to those in the tomb.
The Sun of Righteousness is gloriously risen, giving light to
those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.
The Lord will guide our feet into the way of peace, having
taken away the sin of the world.
Christ will open the kingdom of heaven to all who believe in
his Name, saying, Come, O blessed of my Father; inherit the
kingdom prepared for you.
Into paradise may the angels lead us. At our coming may
the martyrs receive us, and bring us into the holy city
Jerusalem.