National Day of Remembrance Litany

National Day of Remembrance Litany

This litany is composed for the occasion of remembrance of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001.

Lord, as we the world pauses today to look back and to look forward, we pause to pray to you, our only defender and the author of peace…

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth,
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again,
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,
Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,
Have mercy upon us.

By the blessing and sending of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel,
Have mercy upon us.

By the liberation of the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s hand and the renting of the Sea,
Have mercy upon us.

By the witness and courage of your holy prophets of old,
Have mercy upon us.

By the Incarnation of the Word into the world,
Have mercy upon us.

By the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the Good News, the healing of the sick, the casting out of evil, and the raising of the dead,
Have mercy upon us.

By the agony of the cross, and the victory of the Resurrection,
Have mercy upon us.

From the forces of evil, and from deadly acts of terrorism,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the fear that grips us as individuals and as a people,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the senseless hatred that hardens hearts and minds,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From war and violent conflict of all stripes,
Good Lord, deliver us.

We do beseech you to hear us, good Lord, that on this anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, that you would rule and govern our hearts, and the powers of this world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to protect this nation, and the peoples of the whole world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold the military of this nation, and all nations, who strive to bring peace and freedom to all your children,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to root out the causes of terror and war in all places and among all people,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that your peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you on this day to uphold all those who lost people dear to their hearts during the attacks, and in the conflicts which have followed in their wake,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to surround widows and children, parents and loved ones, the injured and maimed with a hope in your trust, your abiding Presence, and life everlasting,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold all those who maintain peace and safety in our local communities and abroad,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to shine your light into the darkness, that all would see and know you, and your ways.
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God,
We beseech you to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Grant us your peace.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, whose heart is glad when all your children live together in unity; we lift to you the grief of our hearts, hoping that you will not only comfort those hearts, but change them; that we may be the people you have created, and called us to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

National Day of Remembrance

National Day of Remembrance

11 September 2020 

1 Timothy 2:1-8

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 who are beginning their freshman year of college 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 eighteen 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 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 God 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 why we are here tonight.

For a better world we are commanded to pray.  We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society. 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. Vv. 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. Vv.3-4

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. 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. 

Words –720

Passive Sentences –16% 

Readability –74.7% 

Reading Level –5.6 

Image of the New York City Skyline, copyright © Google Images

Litany for National Day of Remembrance

National Day of Remembrance Litany

This litany is composed for the occasion of remembrance of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. 
 
Lord, as we the world pauses today to look back and to look forward, we pause to pray to you, our only defender and the author of peace…

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth, 
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again, 
Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,
Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,
Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,
Have mercy upon us.

By the blessing and sending of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel,
Have mercy upon us.

By the liberation of the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s hand and the renting of the Sea,
Have mercy upon us.

By the witness and courage of your holy prophets of old,
Have mercy upon us.

By the Incarnation of the Word into the world,
Have mercy upon us.

By the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the Good News, the healing of the sick, the casting out of evil, and the raising of the dead,
Have mercy upon us.

By the agony of the cross, and the victory of the Resurrection,
Have mercy upon us.

From the forces of evil, and from deadly acts of terrorism,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the fear that grips us as individuals and as a people,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From the senseless hatred that hardens hearts and minds,
Good Lord, deliver us.

From war and violent conflict of all stripes,
Good Lord, deliver us.

We do beseech you to hear us, good Lord, that on this anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, that you would rule and govern our hearts, and the powers of this world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to protect this nation, and the peoples of the whole world,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold the military of this nation, and all nations, who strive to bring peace and freedom to all your children,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to root out the causes of terror and war in all places and among all people,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that your peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you on this day to uphold all those who lost people dear to their hearts during the attacks, and in the conflicts which have followed in their wake,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to surround widows and children, parents and loved ones, the injured and maimed with a hope in your trust, your abiding Presence, and life everlasting,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold all those who maintain peace and safety in our local communities and abroad,
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to shine your light into the darkness, that all would see and know you, and your ways.
We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.
Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,
Grant us your peace.

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, whose heart is glad when all your children live together in unity; we lift to you the grief of our hearts, hoping that you will not only comfort those hearts, but change them; that we may be the people you have created, and called us to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

National Day of Remembrance

National Day of Remembrance

11 September 2019

1 Timothy 2:1-8

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 who are beginning their freshman year of college 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 eighteen 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 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 God 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 why we are here tonight.

For a better world we are commanded to pray.  We pray for our secular leaders and for the good of society. 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. Vv. 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. Vv.3-4

Tonight, 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.

Tonight, as Christians, we act as we are given to do. We pray. For our nation, for our society and our culture. 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. 

Words –720

Passive Sentences –16% 

Readability –74.7% 

Reading Level –5.6 

Image of the New York City Skyline, copyright © Google Images

National Day of Remembrance

A litany composed for the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001

Lord, as we the world pauses today to look back and to look forward, we pause to pray to you, our only defender and the author of peace…

O God, our mighty tower, and creator of Heaven and Earth,

Have mercy upon us.

O God, our Redeemer, who died and rose again,

Have mercy upon us.

O God, our comforter, who fell as a dove at the Baptism of Jesus, and strengthens all the faithful,

Have mercy upon us.

Holy Trinity, undivided, One God,

Have mercy upon us.

By the establishment of the firmament, and the speaking of light into the darkness,

Have mercy upon us.

By the blessing and sending of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Rachel,

Have mercy upon us.

By the liberation of the children of Israel from Pharaoh’s hand and the renting of the Sea,

Have mercy upon us.

By the witness and courage of your holy prophets of old,

Have mercy upon us.

By the Incarnation of the Word into the world,

Have mercy upon us.

By the ministry of Christ, the preaching of the Good News, the healing of the sick, the casting out of evil, and the raising of the dead,

Have mercy upon us.

By the agony of the cross, and the victory of the Resurrection,

Have mercy upon us.

From the forces of evil, and from deadly acts of terrorism,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the fear that grips us as individuals and as a people,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From the senseless hatred that hardens hearts and minds,

Good Lord, deliver us.

From war and violent conflict of all stripes,

Good Lord, deliver us.

We do beseech you to hear us, good Lord, that on this tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, that you would rule and govern our hearts, and the powers of this world,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to protect this nation, and the peoples of the whole world,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold the military of this nation, and all nations, who strive to bring peace and freedom to all your children,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to root out the causes of terror and war in all places and among all people,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to look upon those who would seek to do us harm, and turn their hearts from the ways of hatred and violence,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to rain down grace and mercy upon us all, that your peace, which passes all understanding, would overtake us all,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you on this day to uphold all those who lost people dear to their hearts during the attacks, and in the conflicts which have followed in their wake,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to surround widows and children, parents and loved ones, the injured and maimed with a hope in your trust, your abiding Presence, and life everlasting,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to uphold all those who maintain peace and safety in our local communities and abroad,

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

That it would please you to shine your light into the darkness, that all would see and know you, and your ways.

We beseech you to hear us, good Lord.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Son of God, we beseech you to hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

Grant us your peace.

The Lord be with you.

And also with you.

Let us pray.

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, whose heart is glad when all your children live together in unity; we lift to you the grief of our hearts, hoping that you will not only comfort those hearts, but change them; that we may be the people you have created, and called us to be; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Woodcut by Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld, © WELS
Artwork © by Ed Rojas © Higher Things© Higher Things 
Litany from  http://www.textweek.com/