Today we remember not only those who died on that horrific and unforgettable day in our nation’s history, but all the losses of these years since then.

For those who were passengers and crew in the four airplanes, those in the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and on the ground, and the loved ones they left behind…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For all the first responders and everyday heroes who ran in as others ran out, and the loved ones they left behind…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the terrorists whose minds and lives were twisted by hatred and bad theology, and for the loved ones they left behind…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For us in the long distance we must travel between revenge, justice, safety, and your call to love our enemies…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For our active duty military and veterans, those who have fallen and those who are broken in body and spirit, and all their family and friends…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For our national and global leaders who seek to balance freedom and security, who seek common ground across chasms of culture, history and religion…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For those today whose minds continue to be twisted by hatred and fear of the stranger, whatever their cultural or religious roots or justifications…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For each of us, as aspects of our own sinful greed, consumption and wanton destruction stir fear and anger in the hearts and minds of others.

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

For the children of today and tomorrow, that they may one day know your kingdom of peace on earth as it is in heaven…

Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer

Moments of silence marked by the ringing of bells