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

Two options for prayer this evening... First, a prayer for first responders. While 9/11 is a sad and tragic memory for most of us, first responders live in anticipation of such danger as part of their daily lives... Second, a prayer for peace in our world and in our hearts...

A Prayer for First Responders

Twenty-four 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 the lives of strangers...

And first responders stand bravely tonight

in the face of enemies, accidents and fire,

earthquakes, floods and hurricanes,

putting their lives on the line

for sisters and brothers

threatened by war and natural disaster

by the loss of their homes and belongings,

indeed, the loss of their lives...

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

in our moments of silence,

in our tributes and song,

in our prayer together this night...

Hear our prayer for the women and men

who willingly lay down their lives,

even as you have taught us, Lord:

no love greater than this is known

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

Watch over those, Lord, who, night and day,

spend their lives protecting ours:

be their courage, their shield and strength

and hold them close within your arms

in your loving, strong embrace...

Protect us all while we're awake
and watch over us while we sleep
that awake, we might keep watch with Christ
and asleep, rest in his peace...

Amen.

There Is No Greater Love

by Michael Joncas

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There is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, says the Lord,

there is no greater love, no greater love

than to lay down your life for a friend

As the Father has loved me,
so I have loved you.
Live on in my love.
You will live in my love
if you keep my commands,
even as I have kept my Father's.

All this I tell you that my joy may be yours
and your joy may be complete.
Love one another as I have loved you:
This is my command.

You are my friends
if you keep my commands,
no longer slaves but friends to me.
All I heard from my Father,
I have made known to you:
Now I call you friends.

It was not you who chose me,
it was I who chose you,
chose you to go forth and bear fruit
Your fruit must endure, so you will receive
all you ask the Father in my name.

A Prayer 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 entrusted to our care...

We pray for an end to the scourge of war,
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:

the victims of battles that others wage...

We pray, too, for our enemies, Lord:

turn their hearts and ours to thoughts of peace

and freedom for all your people...

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

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

We pray for peace among all your people:

we're brothers and sisters all,

no matter our race, our color or creed...

We pray for peace in our cities, Lord,

for an end to violence ruling our streets,

the pandemic of deadly arms...

We pray for peace in our nation, Lord,

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've been abused,

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

We pray for a peaceful coming together

of all who profess their faith and belief

in your power, divine and holy...

We pray for peace in our daily lives

with those whom we make our enemies,

with those who make us their foes...

We pray, Lord, 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...

Two options for music after this prayer: first, a four minute recording of the wind-powered bells in the memorial tower at Shanksville; and second, Philip Young's setting of Jesus' words, "Peace I leave with you..."

The Bell Tower at Shanksville

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