September 11: In Memory and In Hope: A Prayer Gathering

Materials Needed

newsprint
masking tape
markers
reflective music
candles

Preparation

Prior to the beginning of the prayer service, set up several areas for small groups of five to seven people to cluster around. Each area should have a piece newsprint with a line drawn through the middle of it and one marker for each person in the group.

Procedure

As the participants enter the gathering space, invite them sit in one of the small-group areas.

The Summons to Prayer

Presider: At 8:46 a.m. on September 11, 2001, a hijacked airplane crashed into one of the World Trade Center buildings. That event began a day of terror. The word terror describes the actions of the hijackers, but it also describes the emotion that was felt by most Americans. We gather today to remember all victims of hatred and fear. We also gather to seek the perfect love that casts out such terror.

Prayer

Presider: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

All: Amen.

Opening Song (optional)

Presider: Source of all love and life, we come to you with heavy hearts as we remember those who tragically died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. May those who died be embraced by your eternal light and joy. And may the victims' families and friends be comforted by thoughts of a new day where your reign of peace will come in its fullness. We ask this through Christ the Lord.

All: Amen.

Leader: Country singer Alan Jackson wrote the song "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)" in response to the violence of September 11. I am sure all of us can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we first heard of the news about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center buildings, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. I invite you to think back to that day and share with the members of your small group where you were and what you thought was happening.

(Allow a few minutes for people to share with one another.)

In front of you is a piece of newsprint. In the upper section of the paper, write the word Emotions. As you remember when you first heard of the attacks, think about the emotions you felt. Write them down under the heading.

(After everyone has had an opportunity to write, ask one of the participants to read the following passage.)

Reader: Revelation 7:13–17

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" I said, "Sir, you are the one who knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. They will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Leader: This reading describes the day that we look forward to as Christians. It describes a time when God's reign has fully arrived. It is a future of hope when there is no more suffering and no more death. Looking back at September 11, 2001, we see there is still a lot of pain and suffering in the world. What pain or suffering do you hope will end soon? At the bottom of the newsprint, write the word Hopes. Around the word, write the pains or sufferings you hope will end.

(When everyone has had the opportunity to write their hopes, have one person tape the group’s newsprint on the wall. When every group has posted their sheet on the wall, instruct the participants to walk around and read what the others have written. In order to preserve the solemnity of the moment, ask them to move in silence. It might be helpful to play some reflective music in the background. After they have finished reading all the sheets, have them join in a circle around a candle or many lit candles. Continue with the rest of the prayer.)

Presider: Source of peace, hear us now as we bring our prayers before you. Please respond: "Fill us with peace and hope."

Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. As we remember those who died at the hands of terrorists, embrace them with your love and draw them into friendship with all the saints who have gone before them. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. May all those who have died a violent death find comfort in the light of your rest. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. May the planners and perpetrators of all terrorist acts be converted to the Gospel of life and love. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. For a world riddled with anger, jealousy, and revenge, may conflict give way to understanding and may oppression give way to justice. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. For the Church, may it become the living, breathing body of Christ and be a place of refuge for those broken by war. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. For our local communities and schools, may they be places of fairness and mercy. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: Lord, perfect love casts out all fear. For each one of us gathered here, may we hear, receive, and respond to the Gospel's challenge of peace. We pray:

All: Fill us with peace and hope.

Presider: As one family, awaiting the day when the Lord’s reign will be fully revealed, we pray: Our Father  .  .  .

All: (Pray the Our Father.)

Presider: Lord, we firmly believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead. Help us to live and love the Gospel with all our hearts and to enjoy your friendship for all time. We ask this through Jesus Christ the Lord.

All: Amen.