9/11 Remembrance

It is the images of 9/11 that we remember:
Jets crashing into towers of steel and glass
Flames flashing from the angry wounds
Bodies falling helplessly through the air
Dust and debris and smoke billowing down New York streets
The dazed and wounded seeking safety
Office workers who became heroes and first responders- policemen, firemen, medical personnel, chaplains- bravely doing what seemed only natural to them
The Pentagon- headquarters of our national defense under attack
The capitol quiet and vulnerable
A smoking crater in the field in Pennsyvania where those who responded to the call "let's roll" gave their lives to prevent greater harm.

Yes, Lord, we remember. And we remember that you are the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our afflictions.
We remember shock and horror and give thanks for peace.
We remember sorrow and sadness and give thanks for hope.
We remember anger and bitterness and give thanks for forgiveness.
We remember sacrifice and generosity and give thanks for selflessness.
We remember fear and despair and give thanks for peace.
We remember hatred and give thanks for love.

As part of our worship on 9/11 we read together Psalm 23 at the beginning of this section and read the Lord's prayer at the end.