Eight Years Ago...

I can't let the day go by without acknowledging the eighth anniversary of 9/11. My heart and thoughts are with those who lost loved ones that day. I just wanted to share a prayer that my pastor offered this morning at a Patriot Day celebration. His words express so well my prayer as well.

Father God, on this day when we remember our fellow Americans who died in the tragedy of September 11th, we thank you that your word tells us that you are the “God of all comfort” and that you are close to the brokenhearted. We pray that the families and friends of those who were killed would experience your comfort today as they remember their loved ones.

We thank you for the courageous service of the firemen and police officers who sacrificed their lives attempting to rescue others, and we thank you for providing our town with brave men and women who protect and serve us.

We thank you for the men and women of the armed forces who have valiantly served us in fighting to protect our safety and freedom. We pray that you would grant them protection and success as they continue to fight and that they would be able to return home victoriously very soon.

Jesus taught that we should “love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us,” so we pray today for those around the world who hate America and our way of life. We pray that you would soften their hearts, as only you can, so that they would stop planning and doing destructive acts of violence.

Father, as we remember the courage of our firemen, police officers, military personnel, and even our fellow citizens from Flight 93 who willingly gave their lives to save and protect others, it reminds us of the sacrificial love of your Son, Jesus, who went to the cross and gave his life so that all who treasure him might have eternal freedom, joy, and peace. We look forward to the day when he will return to wipe away every tear from our eyes and put an end to suffering and death forever.

In His Name we pray, Amen.