Prayer Resources in the Wake of the Attack on America

On September 11, 2001, Americans and the world sustained a terrible tragedy that resulted in death and destruction, people hospitalized, confusion, grief, anger, and a desire for revenge.

This brief listing and offering of prayers may be of use to people who seek to pray and want words to guide them in prayer for personal use or in group settings. We hope this will be a ready reference for pastors, musicians, and others who are called upon to give pastoral care. We hope this reference will enable those leaders to help people to exercise restraint when they want to demonize and strike out against others.

In such a time as this, Christians need both the vital sense of Gods presence that comes with extemporaneous prayer — prayer of the heart — and a guiding sense of the identity of God — prayer of the mind. Exercising both kinds of prayer has the effect of balancing our passions with the love and grace of God for all people and us, even those whom we fear or suspect of doing us harm.

What has happened in our land is so traumatic and shocking that our deepest needs may not be met by words alone. Time spent in silence before or after using one or more of these prayers allows us to simply be and to welcome the work of God that is beyond word, thoughts, and emotions.

Suggested Psalms

• Psalm 46
• Psalm 130
• Psalm 90
• Psalm 91
• Psalm 23
• Psalm 5
• Psalm 27
• Psalm 62
• Psalm 102

Book of Common Prayer according to the usage of the Episcopal Church, Church Hymnal Corporation, 1979.
(These prayers are in the public domain and may be printed here and used by Christians of any denomination. The prayers are in traditional language, so you may want to adapt the language for current usage and inclusiveness.)

For the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us, through Jesus your Son:
Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Peace
Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love:
So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.

For Peace Among Nations
Almighty God our heavenly Father, guide the nations of the world into the way of justice and truth, and establish among them that peace which is the fruit of righteousness, that they may become the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Our Enemies
O God, the Father of all, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies:
Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the President of the United States and All in Civil Authority
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State (or Commonwealth), and to all in authority, wisdom, and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Resources in The United Methodist Book of Worship

1. Prayer with and for the Dying and the Bereaved
   • Number 163, resources for "An Untimely or Tragic Death" — words of grace, prayers, suggested Scripture readings, and suggested hymns.
   • Number 166, "Ministry with the Dying" — pastoral guidance for ministry and prayers.
   • Numbers 167-169, "Ministry Immediately Following Death" and "A Family Hour or Wake"

2. Prayer in a time of hurt, anger, and hate
   • Number 428, prayer litany and suggested hymns
   • Number 435, prayer based on the writings and thought of Martin Luther King, Jr.
   • Number 482, prayer of confession and examination of conscience
   • Numbers 515, 516, 517, prayers for the nation
   • Numbers 520, 521, prayers for peace (litany) and a vision of hope
   • Numbers 526, 527, prayer for the world and its peoples and a litany
   • Number 542, prayer for those in military service
   • Numbers 545, 546, prayers for those who suffer

3. Holy Communion. (Each of the following might need some adaptation.)
   • Pages 70-71, "The Great Thanksgiving for the Season after Pentecost"
   • Pages 74-75, "The Great Thanksgiving for All Saints and Memorial Occasion "
   • Pages 78-79, "An Alternate Great Thanksgiving for General Use" (more inclusive language)
   • Pages152-153, "Great Thanksgiving for Service of Death and Resurrection"

   Comment: Never in recent history has it been more obvious that Christians must and need to hear the words, "This is my Body, Broken for You" and to pray together, "Make them [the bread and cup] be for us the Body of Christ that we may be for the world the Body of Christ redeemed by his blood." In Holy Communion, the risen Lord reminds us firmly and clearly that we are his body and that , though we may be citizens of the United States by birth or choice, we are his first; and finally, we are his disciples who walk in the way of Gods justice and love. We have a different story to tell about the tragedy of September 11, because we know a different story of the world. In the Lords Super, Christ calls us anew to offer our wounds and hurts, our anger and hatred, our fear and our memories of tragedy and terrorism to his healing and his Resurrection power. In sharing the Lords Supper, Christ gives himself to us and deals with us in deep, sacramental ways.

4. Prayer together for healing
   Consider holding services for healing prayer. For resources, see "Healing Services and Prayers," numbers 613-629.

Prayers in The United Methodist Hymnal

• 461 For Those Who Mourn
• 466 An Invitation to Christ
• 481 The Prayer of Saint Francis
• 489 For Gods Gifts

Music Resources in The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing
(These two hymnals contain a wealth of hymns and songs that may be used in worship services or private devotions on a variety of topics: hope, peace, conflict, suffering, healing, hurt,anger, hate, death, and eternal life.)

The United Methodist Hymnal

• 534, Be Still, My Soul
• 426, Behold a Broken World
• 517, By Gracious Powers
• 376, Dona Nobis Pacem
• 428, For the Healing of the Nations
• 129, Give to the Winds Thy Fears
• 130, God Will Take Care of You
• 178, Hope of the World
• 529, How Firm a Foundation
• 521, I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
• 464, I Will Trust in the Lord
• 375, There Is a Balm in Gilead
• 377, It Is Well with My Soul
• 532, Jesus, Priceless Treasure
• 431, Let There Be Peace on Earth
• 519, Lift Every Voice and Sing
• 452, My Faith Looks up to Thee
• 368, My Hope Is Built
• 498, My Prayer Rises to Heaven
• 528, Nearer, My God, to Thee
• 730, O Day of God, Draw Nigh
• 729, O Day of Peace that Dimly Shines
• 435, O God of Every Nation
• 117, O God, Our Help in Ages Past
• 515, Out of the Depths I Cry to You
• 523, Saranam, Saranam
• 512, Stand By Me
• 436, The Voice of God Is Calling
• 437, This Is My Song
• 533, We Shall Overcome
• 439, We Utter Our Cry
• 442, Weary of All Trumpeting
• 526, What a Friend We Have in Jesus

The Faith We Sing

• 2191, Eternal Father, Strong to Save
• 2211, Faith Is Patience in the Night
• 2156, Give Peace (Taizé)
• 2219, Goodness is Stronger Than Evil
• 2208, Guide My Feet
• 2213, Healer of Our Every Ill
• 2146, His Eye Is on the Sparrow
• 2212, My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing)
• 2195, In the Lord Ill Be Ever Thankful (Taizé)
• 2234, Lead On, O Cloud of Presence
• 2054, Nothing Can Trouble (Taizé)
• 2183, Unsettled World
• 2216, When We Are Called to Sing Your Praise
• 2180, Why Stand So Far Away, My God?
• 2218, You Are Mine