National Day of Remembrance
For some of us the events of 9.11 will be forever etched in our minds. We can remember where we were, what we were doing. The thoughts the emotions we experienced the enormity of it all; as the events of that Tuesday morning in September played out before us on television.
My children in particular, at the height of innocence saw their world change drastically in just a few short hours. Lydia specifically was starting confirmation instruction when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were decimated. She would attend a memorial service commemorating the 10th Anniversary within weeks of moving to New York City. Today, students have no recollection of September 11, 2001. They were yet to be born. There is now an entire generation raised in a post-9.11 world.
How has our society, our culture changed in these past twenty-three years? Do we become righteously indignant at the abuses of our society? Dr. King dreamed of a day in America where men would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Sadly that day has not yet arrived. We give lip service to the concept that all men are created equal. Why then are the rich seemingly more equal than others? Why afflict the poor? And reward only the wealthy?
When it comes to a solution we must realize that it depends on more than one person’s efforts or one response to correct the condition. It is not merely a national and a societal problem which needs our attention. It is a spiritual struggle. As such, Paul urges us to pray. That we may have a society where there is peace and righteousness.
Because Christ our Savior desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, He urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. Christians should so pray without anger or quarreling. But adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control. For the Lord does not forget the poor of the land. (Amos 8:4) He remembers them according to the foolishness of the cross. And that, my friends, is what causes us to pray.
For a better world we are commanded to pray. We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society. The Apostle Paul teaches: I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 1Timothy 2Vv. 1-2
We pray for all to come to God through Christ. He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2Vv.3-4
Today, on this National Day of Remembrance we pause to consider the necessity of prayer. Paul urges us to pray for all people, especially those in high positions; that we may have that kind of world in which the gospel can flourish. Paul urges us to pray with lifted hands; lifted up to the Source of our help. He urges us to pray with open hand; to receive what we ask in faith. Paul encourages us to pray with holy hands; free from hatred and anger instead, filled with forgiveness and love.
As Christians, we act as we are given to do. We pray for our nation, for our society and our culture. We pray for our neighbors and our families. We pray for that peace which only Christ can give. We pray for opportunities to trumpet the Gospel for this is the desire of our Father who wants all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. If there is to be peace it will come only through the prince of peace Jesus Christ our Savior who gave Himself as a ransom for all.
That His peace may permeate a world gone mad with violence…let us pray to the Lord.
A Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding;
A Prayer for our enemies: Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace;
A Prayer for good government; Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably
Prayers from Lutheran Service Book copyright 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis
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