As Christians all over the world know, in America on Sunday, September 16 we declared a Day of Mourning, for the victims of the tragedy that befell us last week and all of those who bravely risked their lives to save them.
In our little church, far from the carnage, our pastor either found or composed some materials that are worth sharing with other Christians around the world. I will like to pass them on to you.
The opening hymn in our service was the well-known "O God Our Help in Ages Past, Our Hope for Years to come", but there were different and more timely words.
"O God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
O God, our words cannot express, the pain we feel this day.
Enraged, uncertain, we confess, our need to bow and pray.
We grieve for all who lost their lives, and for each injured one.
We pray for children, husbands, wives; whose grief has just begun.
O Lord, we're called to offer prayer, for all our leaders too.
May they, amid such great despair, be wise in all they do.
We trust your mercy and your grace; in you we will not fear!
May peace and justice now embrace, be with your people here!
Under the shadow of thy throne; still may we dwell secure,
Sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure."
Later in the service our congregation was called to prayer with these words:
"Almighty and loving God, our eyes could hardly watch, nor our ears hear, nor our minds conceive, nor our hearts believe the unfolding tragedy of September 11th. Never have we seen such horrific terror and slaughter of the innocent. Never have we experienced on our shores, our airports, our commerce, our communications and our government in such a quick and total state of lock down, alert, and defense.
we were attacked and besieged. Fear and mourning gripped our souls. Tears and anger flow with abandon. Life and liberty have been severely challenged. O God, in such a moment of shock, we hardly know what to pray. And yet we know, in you alone will we find hope, comfort, and strength."
And then our pastor led us in this unison prayer:
"God of all ages, in your sight nations and people rise and fall, and pass through time of peril. Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save. May leaders be lead by your wisdom; may they search your will and see it clearly. If we have turned from your way, reverse our ways and help us to repent. Give us your light and your truth, let them be our guides, through Jesus Christ, who is the Light in the darkened world and the Prince of Peace in this world of violence. Amen!
I fear that this week in our country and countries all over the world many people who do not know the Saviour will be crying out for revenge and vengeance, and there will be calls for violent action to meet the violence that was visited upon us. So we also need your prayers. Whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever your country, nationality, race, or faith persuasion, please pray for us these days. I fear that only God can show us the way and only Christ can forgive and lead us through our pain and grief, and toward peace.
Rev. Glenn W. Martin
Retired United Methodist Minister
and member of the Faith United Methodist Church in
