Prayers for September 11
Healing the Wounds of 9-11, Honoring the Dead, and More
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. No matter how much time passes, the pain, shock, and hurt remain. The following prayers ask God to help heal the wounds of September 11 and prevent another such tragedy.
Prayer for Healing Wounds of 9-11
There are many wounds from September 11. People lost their loved ones and sense of security in the horror of a bombing on American soil.
The following prayer asks God to heal the various wounds of September 11 and bless all who honor this day: "God of love, please heal the wounds of 9-11 [take some time to reflect on personal or societal wounds of 9-11 and share with God.] Comfort all who grieve, protect all who guard and serve others, and especially soften the hearts of those who may be planning another such event. May Your love continue to inspire, protect, and sustain all who believe. Amen."
Thanksgiving for Those Who Protect Others- Police Officers, Fighters, Soldiers, and Others
Many Americans work tirelessly to protect others that the U.S. may be a safe place for all who live here.
This prayer honors the firefighters, government agents, and U.S. soldiers who work to keep all Americans safe in order to prevent another 9-11, as well as those who saved others during the tragedy.
"Loving God, thank you for all the firefighters, policemen, soldiers and others who sacrificed their lives to save others on and after 9-11. Protect all who protect others, whether they serve at home or abroad. Comfort their families in their absence, care for them physically, emotionally, and spiritually and if, O Lord, they die in service of others, let them never be forgotten. In Your loving and precious name, Amen."
This prayer may be said while visiting a military memorial, at a cemetery, while passing a fire station, or any time one feels called to honor those who protect others.
Prayer to Honor 9-11 Dead
Many people still grieve the loss of a loved one, friend, or family member lost in the 9-11 attacks.
The following prayer invites God to be present with all who grieve, that the dead may live forever in the hearts of those who love them: "God, no one understands why so many died in 9-11. Though they are gone, let their memory live on every time an American flag flies, every time someone pauses at the 9-11 site, every time others gather together in prayer or silence. You know, O God that wounds take time to heal. Calm the stinging rage, the emptiness, and the tears of those missing loved ones this day. Comfort all the broken-hearted, and bind up their wounds. Walk with them and remind them they are never alone and their loved ones never forgotten. Bless all who mourn and hold them close in Your loving arms, now and always, Amen."
Prayer to Prevent Another 9-11
Many people live in fear of a terrorist attack.
The following prayer asks for God's protection and intervention, that peace may reign on the Earth: "God, as Your beloved Son was tortured and died unfairly, so do many people around the world in events like 9-11. Please protect all at risk of war, bombing, violence, and destruction. Let the light of Your love touch those whose hearts are bent on revenge and torturing others out of their own hatred and rage, that they may find other ways to communicate their grievances without harming others. Plant peace in the hearts of all who hate, that the world may be free of 9-11's, to the glory of your name. Amen."
This prayer may be shared any time after a violent disaster, or to honor 9-11 specifically. It may help to pray afterwards thanking God for one's own safety and protection, so one does not leave a prayer session bogged down with fear and negativity.
Praying for 9-11 and the many lives it affected brings the individual closer to God, others, and the broken world God has created.
For other prayer ideas, one may enjoy Fall Prayers or Prayers of Intercession: How to Pray for Others.
Pray to Honor 9-11 Heros, Dead, and All who Grieve
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