As we remember the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Westport-Weston Clergy Association has prepared a prayer for the community.
The words will be recited in nearly 2 dozen churches and synagogues as an expression of unity, with thoughts of the victims and their families close at heart.
The clergy members add: “If you are home-bound, we encourage you to recite this prayer with us from your home on September 11. For those who can join us, please know that our doors are open and we look forward to welcoming you into our houses of worship with open arms.”
The 9/11 Prayer of Remembrance and Hope:
Dear God, we remember before you today those whose lives were lost in the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, and for all those whom we love but no longer see. We give thanks to you for the selfless courage of those brave souls who ran into burning buildings and who labored in the rubble; may their courage be to us a witness of what is possible when we are guided by love and dedication to our fellow human beings.
We pray today for the continued healing of all those suffering emotional and physical scars. May your spirit breathe new breath into clouded lungs, new life into troubled minds, and new warmth into broken hearts, so that all may feel wrapped in your loving embrace. May we move from suffering to hope, from brokenness to wholeness, from anxiety to courage, from death to life, from fear to love, and from despair to hope.
Guide our feet into the way of peace. Inspire us with hope in the gift of shalom and salaam. May we receive this gift, so that we might become instruments of your peace in this world, knowing all people as equally loved, lovingly created, children of God.
Amen.
AMEN!