Father, we approach your throne of grace and truth at this moment with hearts that have been disturbed by the events of the last two days. And we know that as devastating as the events of this day have been to us, you too have been saddened by the hatred and senseless loss of life.
Father, the events of yesterday remind us of just how fallen this world is, how sin-sick men have become, and how we so frequently suffer at our own hands because hearts that have been filled by sin. May the events of today remind us of how far removed we are from your glory. This certainly is not what you intended for mankind when you created us, but it is the result of disobedience and the work of the Devil. May these events help us to see more clearly what it means to live apart from the standards of your word. May it cause us to be repulsed by the work of Satan in this world and to be filled with renewed zeal, to refuse to serve Satan, by failing to serve you.
Father, so many lives have been lost, thousands have been thrust into eternity, prepared or not, to give account for their lives. Countless thousands more will be touched by the loss of family members, father, mothers, spouses, siblings, and children who will not return home. Be with them that they might find peace and calm. And may we, as citizens of this nation, but more importantly, as citizens of your great kingdom, the church, be used as instruments of your providence to reach out in avenues of compassion and care to share the love of Jesus with those who are filled with hatred.
Father, we also know and acknowledge that you are in control of all things, that nothing escapes your notice, and that ultimately justice will be realized. But father, we also pray that a swift justice might be realized in this life, so that others may be spared the repeat of such tragedies. And Father, we especially know our own weaknesses. We know how easily it could be for us to allow hatred to gain control of our hearts at this time. Help us to control our anger. Help us to realize that as hurt and angry as we may be, hatred is not the godly response Jesus would desire from us.
And finally, Father, we pray for our national leaders. Be with president Bush, his advisors, and our congress that in the next few days, weeks, and months, that they may pursue a course of wisdom that will ultimately lead to our peace and safety.
In Christ's name we pray, AmenThis item originally appeared in mercEmail (9-12-01)
