Worship Resources for 9/11

As we approach the 15 year anniversary of 9/11, here are some resources for worship that will help us come to God with both lament and trust.

A Prayer Litany for 9/11 based on Psalm 13: 

(written by Rev. Mary B. Stegink, Ridgewood CRC, Ridgewood, NJ) 

All: How long, O Lord? Will you forget us forever?
Leader: Lord, today we remember a day when everything changed. We remember a beautiful autumn day forever marred by smoke, chaos, death, and confusion.

All: How long will you hide your face from us?
Leader: We wondered where you were. We wondered how this could happen. So many innocent people gone. So many more left quaking with fear.

All: How long must we wrestle with our thoughts and every day have sorrow in our hearts?
Leader: We think of the children – now in their teens – who only know their dad through pictures and the memories of others. We think of the husbands, wives, mothers, father, sons, daughters, grandparents, siblings, and friends who miss that familiar face, whose gatherings are no longer complete.

All: Look on us and answer, O Lord, our God. Give light to our eyes.
Leader: We acknowledge that we don’t understand, but we trust in you, Lord. We trust that you continue to work all things according to your purpose and that your Word and your plan will prevail. We know that “though the wrong seems oft so strong, you are the Ruler yet!”

All: Our enemies will say, “I have overcome them” and our foes will rejoice when we fall.
Leader: May we not give in to our fear.  May we pray for our enemies and those who would harm us. May hearts of stone be turned to hearts of love.

All: But we trust in your unfailing love; our hearts rejoice in your salvation.
Leader: May we shower our community with love in your name. May we actively live the hope we profess.

All: We will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to us.  Amen.

Sing: This is My Father’s World (Lift Up Your Hearts # 21)                                 

Find more resources for Worship attached