Remembrance begins with deep, personal identification. It begins with remembering the affliction of our brothers and sisters and marking their pain as our own. It is a sacred moment wherein we raise up and hold to the light of the eternal moment all those who have passed.

On this day, we recall the tragic and terrible events of September 11, 2001. May God bring light to the darkness to address the sources of anger, hate, dehumanization, rage, and indignation that lead to violent actions. In loving memory and in hope for peace, we pray:

God of the ages—

Before your eyes all empires rise and fall, yet you are changeless.

Be near us in this age of uncertainty and in these moments of remembrance. Uphold those who work and watch and wait and weep and love. By your Holy Spirit give rise within us a broad sympathy for all the peoples of your earth. Strengthen us to comfort those who mourn and establish your peace in big and small ways.

Bless the people and leaders of our nation and all nations so that warfare, violence and oppression may become only a historic memory.

We pray in the name of the Prince of Peace. Amen.