A Prayer

God of Love and of Life,
Our hearts are heavy with the events of this past week. For most of us, the death and destruction that we have witnessed is much closer than we have ever known before. We remember our American sisters and brothers in their time of suffering. We name those things that lie on our hearts.

We grieve:
* for individuals killed or wounded in the attacks
* for people who have lost family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors
* for those whose loved ones are as yet unaccounted for
* for those who will live with ongoing emotional trauma
* for emergency workers and all others whose energies will
      have been taxed to the extreme

All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.

We are angered:
* by those who planned and carried out these devastating attacks
* by those who hold such low regard for the human life that you have created

All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.

We are fearful:
* that there may be further violence and counter-violence
* that whole groups of people may be scapegoated for the actions of a few
* that suddenly the world seems a much less safe place

All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.

We remember:
* that for many people around the world, terror and
      violence are daily fare
* that all people are your children and our
      brothers and sisters
* that you call us to special concern for the poor,
      the oppressed, the exploited
* that you call us to love even our enemies

All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.

We pray: * that U.S. leaders may exercise restraint and caution
      in any response
* that all groups who resort to violent means may turn
      from their ways
* that we ourselves may witness more faithfully and boldly
      to your way of peace, both near and far

All: In your mercy, hear our prayers.

We affirm
* our trust in you, the God of Love, and Jesus, the Prince of Peace
* our commitment to Your way of peace and nonviolence

All: We pray this in the name of your son, Jesus. Amen.