On this anniversary of September 11, 2001, we are reminded of the heartbreaking news of the hijacked planes intentionally crashed in New York and Washington, D.C., and the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania in the USA. Help us also remember the spirit of unity that arose after those tragic events. That is what we need now, and where we can find God amid tragedy. Jesus taught us to love God and love each other. Let us carry that with us as we prepare our hearts, minds, and spirits for this time of prayer.
Let us pray:
Holy Creator,
Thank you for our senses. Help us to use them to experience the world as you do.
Give us eyes to see what is going on, as Russian air strikes kill 24 and injure many more civilians in line to collect their pensions in a small village in Eastern Ukraine, and 23 more in Kyiv overnight; as multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland, causing NATO to send fighter jets to shoot them down. Help us to not look away until we see your peace, O God.
Give us ears to listen to what you are saying in the midst of the news that the Israeli military has ordered all Gaza City residents to evacuate ahead of a ground assault, forcing the displacement of over one million Palestinians. With the news of another school shooting, and the public murder of an outspoken political advocate, resonating in the news across the United States. As Israel bombs Lebanon, Syria, Qatar, and Yemen, we hear the cries of international bodies, countries, and individuals who want to see an end to this violence. Help us to listen to your cries, too, O God, for reparation.
As your beloved children in war-torn nations smell the smoke, the burning, the rotting, help us lean into empathy rather than self-preservation, knowing that we are all part of one body, all created wonderfully by you, and all in need of each other.
Help us appreciate the taste of food when we are hungry, for too many don’t get to. And give us hearts that feel compassion for each other and all our beloved siblings, whatever their religion or belief systems.
We thank you for our voices that speak out against oppression, as we lift up Nepal, where anti-corruption protests continue, which led to the Prime Minister resigning; France, as protests continue against the political class, denouncing the new government; the USA, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids continue, but protestors have made a difference and sent ICE away.
Thank you for our hearts, our minds, and your spirit within us that sustain our hope, lead us to take action, and invest in the future, even in the midst of all the uncertainty we face. May our lives speak to your goodness as you guide us to create a more just and peaceful world for all.
Bind us together in the loving name of Jesus Christ, our companion and guide, we pray. Amen.
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