A Concord Pastor Comments: NIGHT PRAYER: Wednesday 9/11

Two options for prayer this evening:

first, a prayer for peace in our world and in our hearts

second, a prayer for first responders...

For Peace in the world and in our hearts...

We pray for peace in the world, Lord,

the world you created, the world you gave us,

the world you entrusted to our care... ..

We pray for an end to the scourge of war,
to terrorism, violence and bloodshed

and to all the ways we fail to love our neighbor...

We pray for those who have died in war,

especially those who died in their youth
and for all those who grieve their loss...

We pray for the safety of those in harm's way,
far from home, their families and friends

and we pray for their safe return...

We pray for all the innocent poor

who suffer most keenly the hardship of war,

victims of battles that others wage...

We pray for our enemies, too, O Lord,

turn their hearts and ours to thoughts of peace

and freedom for all your people...

We pray for peace at our borders
and at borders around the world:

tear down the walls we build in our hearts...

We pray for peace among all your people,

we are brothers and sisters all,

no matter our race, color or creed...

We pray for peace in our cities, Lord,

for an end to violence ruling our streets

and the plague of deadly arms...

We pray for peace in our government

and for truth and wisdom to guide the way

in our politics, left and right...

We pray for peace in our broken Church,

for the healing of those who have been abused,

for your Spirit to cleanse and mend us all...

We pray for a peaceful coming together

of all who profess a faith and belief

in your power, divine and holy...

We pray for peace in our relationships, Lord:

with those whom we make our enemies

and those who make foes of us...

We pray for peace in those hidden places,

where we're often at war with ourselves,

in our minds, our thoughts and our hearts...

We pray for peace, for healing and wholeness
for all who live with depression,

with anxiety, worry and fear...

We pray for peace in those places, Lord,
where only you can understand

how deep is our need for your presence...

We pray for that peace we can't make ourselves,
the peace, Lord, that comes from you alone,

        the peace of your mercy and grace...

Protect us, Lord, while we're awake
   and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with you
   and asleep, rest in your peace...

A Prayer for First Responders

Twenty-three years ago today, Lord,

in New York City, Washington, DC and Shanksville, PA,

first responders rushed into harm's way,

putting their lives on the line

to save their neighbors' lives...

And first responders stand bravely tonight

in the face of our enemies

and wild fires, earthquakes and hurricanes,

putting their lives on the line

for sisters and brothers threatened by war

and by natural disaster

and the loss of their homes and belongings,

indeed, the loss of their lives...

Among all the innocent who perished on 9/11,
we remember these brave and selfless souls

in our moments of silence,

our tributes, speeches and song,

and in our prayer here together this night...

Hear our prayer for the women and men

who willingly lay down their lives,

just as you have taught us, Lord:

no love greater than this is known

than to lay down one's life for a friend...

Protect those, Lord, who, by night and day,

spend their lives, saving and protecting ours:

be their courage, strength and shield

and guard them in the span

of your strong and outstretched wings...

Protect us all, Lord, as we lie awake
and watch over us as we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with Christ
and asleep, rest in his peace...

Amen.