9-11
United in Courage & Grief 
We pray today that from the ashes will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity in America.
Already,
all across this nation our hearts have been knit together into a new tapestry of one America.
Because of this tragedy,
we have been bound together by a silver chord of hope and brotherhood and sisterhood.
What was meant to drive us apart has really drawn us together.
May we always remember.
-Reverend Wintley Phipps
Prayers - Specific for September 11,2001
A Prayer for USA
David Cohen

I pray for the survivors of the attack on September 11, 2001.
I pray for the families who have lost loved ones.
I pray for the rescue workers and police on the scene.
I pray for the doctors and nurses caring for the hurting.
I pray for the reporters who work through intense emotion to bring us the pictures and news of the day.
I pray for the President and other elected leaders who so desperately need wisdom from beyond themselves.
I pray for the pastors in Washington and New York who care first-hand for the spiritual needs of those who have experienced this great tragedy.
I pray for the military and intelligence agencies who seek to find out who would do this so they might be brought to justice.
I pray for our nation -- that this event will bring us together and turn our thoughts toward helping each other to fight and VANISH the terrorism out of the world.
I pray for all those who might be tempted to think that violence accomplishes anything of lasting value. We've seen too much of it in the recent years.
Lastly, I pray for every peace lover in this world.
May God break the cycle of violence to make a difference for His Peace and Grace in this sinful world.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.

A Healing Prayer
Reverend Wintley Phipps

God, we come to you a nation in pain.
Hate has wounded us yet again.
We watched in horror as men whose hearts were filled with hatred, destroyed the lives of thousands of innocent people.
But our hearts also swelled with pride as we saw hundreds of Americans, whose hearts were filled with love and service, sacrifice their lives trying to save others. The brave firemen, who marched undaunted into those burning buildings. Those co-workers who perished because they refused to leave the side of the paralyzed or the infirmed.
We find so much hope in their heroism.
Last week, our nation lost so many good people, and for years to come we will all hunger for their smiles, for their laughter, for their counsel, for their fellowship.
This tragedy has cast a shadow of fear and sadness over our nation and today we weep for the innocent who have left us.
We mourn for those who have been taken from us.
Those precious children on their first plane ride.
That father, in pursuit of his career.
That mother trying to keep her children clothed and fed.
That young professional trying to make ends meet.
When we think of them, we are overwhelmed by what seems like an unbearable sense of loss.
But God, help us to remember that just as every flower in a storm is safe with you, we know the innocent are safe also, God, in your care.
Because of your love we believe we will see our loved ones again.
Help us to remember that in our sorrow we do not weep alone.
You weep with us.

From A Prayer for America - Sunday September 23, 2001
Oprah Winfrey

I believe that when you lose a loved one you gain an angel whose name you know.
Over 6,000 and counting, angels added to the spiritual roster  these past two weeks.

It is my prayer that they will keep us in their sight with a direct line to our hearts.
May we all leave this place and not let one single life have passed in vain.
May we leave this place determined to now use every moment that we yet live to turn up the volume in our own lives, to create deeper meaning, to know what really matters.
What really matters is who you love and how you love.

From his address to a General Audience - September 12, 2001
Pope John Paul II

Brothers and Sisters, in great dismay, before the horror of destructive violence, but strong in the faith that has always guided our fathers, we turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, salvation of his people, and with the confidence of children, pray that He will come to our aid in these days of  mourning and innocent suffering.

1. For the Churches of the East and the West, and in particular for the Church in the United States of America so that, though humbled by loss and mourning, yet inspired by the Mother of the Lord, strong woman beside the cross of her Son, they may foster the will for reconciliation, peace, and the building of the civilization of love.

2. For all those who bear the name of Christian, so that, in the midst of many persons who are tempted to hatred and doubt, they will be witnesses to the presence of God in history and the victory of Christ over death.

3. For the leaders of nations, so that they will not allow themselves to be guided by hatred and the spirit of retaliation, but may do everything possible to prevent new hatred and death, by bringing forth works of peace.

4. For those who are weeping in sorrow over the loss of relatives and friends, that in this hour of suffering they will not be overcome by sadness, despair and vengeance, but continue to have faith in the victory of good over evil, of life over death.

5. For those suffering and wounded by the terrorist acts, that they may return to stability and health and, appreciating the gift of life, may generously foster the will to contribute to the well being of every human being.

6. For our brothers and sisters who met death in the folly of violence, that they find sure joy and life everlasting in the peace of the Lord, that their death may not be in vain but become a leaven bringing forth a season of brotherhood and collaboration among peoples.

O Almighty and merciful God, you cannot be understood by one who sows discord, you cannot be accepted by one who loves violence:  look upon our painful human condition tried by cruel acts of terror and death, comfort  your children and open our hearts to hope, so that our time may again know days of serenity and peace.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Concern for America
The Hold Father - Pope John Paul II

May the Blessed Virgin bring comfort and hope to those who suffer on account of the tragic attack of the terrorists, that last week seriously harmed the beloved American people.
To all the children of this great Nation I direct my heartbroken and heartfelt consideration.
May Mary welcome the dead, console the survivors, support those families  who are particularly tried, help all to resist the temptation to hatred and violence, and to dedicate themselves to the service of justice and peace.
May the Virgin Mary nourish in the hearts of all young persons, above all, high human and spiritual ideals and the necessary perseverance to achieve them.
May She remind them of the primacy of eternal values, especially in these difficult moments, so that in their daily engagements and activities they may ever continue to be turned toward God and to his kingdom of solidarity and peace.

A Prayer for Unity
Reverend Wintley Phipps

We pray today that from the ashes will rise a new spirit of beauty and unity in America.
Already, all across this nation our hearts have been knit together into a new tapestry of one America.
Because of this tragedy, we have been bound together by a silver chord of hope and brotherhood and sisterhood.
What was meant to drive us apart has really drawn us together.

May we always remember.

And so today we ask, God, that you would wipe the tears of all in need of comfort.
That you would warm the heart of one who would grow cold from bitterness.
That you would lift the head of that one who is bowed down in sadness.
That you would touch the discouraged and remind them that love will always conquer hate.

We thank you, God, for making us such a resilient people. We know that we are.

And we pray now for the strength to rise again, to build again, and to live free from fear.
We pray that you will help us rebuild our broken lives and mend our broken hearts.
We pray that you will give us the courage to face evil and the faith to believe that good will never be defeated.

Hold us close to your heart.

And through our tears, and through our sorrow, may we all see a new vision of a new tomorrow.

General Prayers - Adversity, Peace

Prayer At Time Of Adversity
An Inuit Indian Prayer

I think over again my small adventures.
My fears,
Those small ones that seemed so big,
For all the vital things
I had to get and reach.
And yet there is only one great thing,
The only thing,
To live to see the great day that dawns
And the light that fills the world.

The Universal Peace Prayer

May Peace Prevail on Earth


~ The Candle Of Peace, Hope & Unity ~
Peace for a Nation that is hurting.
Hope for more Survivors to be found.
Unity among all Americans.
  This candle was lit on the 11th of September 2001.

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace
Saint Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love,
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith,
Where there is despair, hope,
Where there is darkness, light,
Where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to console,
not so much to be understood as to understand,
not so much to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
it is in dying that we awake to eternal life.

Prayer for Peace
Reverend Mary Omwake
With each kind thought, each choice for nonviolence,
 we plant a seed that shall bloom to bring forth rich fruit in its Season.

Together friend, we till the soil and plant the seeds that all creation may
sing for joy and dance in the Garden of Peace.

May our prayers and practices during this Season
be but the beginning of a new culture of peace, security and joy
that shall endure unto our children's children's children.

Islamic Prayer of Peace
Oh God,
You are Peace.
From You comes Peace,
To You returns Peace.
Revive us with a salutation of peace,
And lead us to your abode of Peace
Sufi Prayer for Peace
Send Thy peace O Lord, which is perfect and everlasting, that our souls may radiate peace.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may think, act and speak harmoniously.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may be contented and thankful for Thy bountiful gifts.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that amidst our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that we may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of Thy grace and mercy.
Send Thy peace O Lord, that our lives may become a Divine vision and in Thy light, all darkness may vanish.
Send Thy peace O Lord, our Father and Mother, that we Thy children on Earth may all unite in one family.
Amen

Jewish Prayer for Peace
Rabbi Nachman ben Feiga of Breslov, 1773-1810

Lord of Peace, Divine Ruler, to whom peace belongs!
Master of Peace, Creator of all things!

May it be thy will to put an end to war and bloodshed on earth, and to spread a great and wonderful peace over the
whole world, so that nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Help us and save us all, and let us cling tightly to the virtue of peace. Let there be a truly great peace between every person and their fellow, and between husband and wife, and let there be no discord between people even in their hearts.

Let us never shame any person on earth, great or small. May it be granted unto us to fulfill Thy Commandment to
"Love thy neighbor as thyself," with all our hearts and souls and bodies and possessions.

And let it come to pass in our time as it is written, "And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down and none shall make you afraid. I will drive the wild beasts from the land, and neither shall the sword go through your land.

God who is peace, bless us with peace !!!

Ancient Sufi Prayer

I offer you peace.
I offer you joy.
I offer you friendship.

I hear your needs.
I see your beauty.

Our wisdom comes from
a Higher Source.
Our wisdom comes from
a deeper source.
I honor that Source in you.

A Hopi Prayer

Hold on to what is good
even if it's a handful of earth.
Hold on to what you believe
even if it's a tree that stands by itself.
Hold on to what you must do
even if it's a long way from here.
Hold on to your life
even if it's easier to let go.
Hold on to my hand
even when I've gone away from you.

From a Prayer Book

There is more light than shadow;
There are more smiles than cares;
More grass grows on the meadow
Than brambles, weeds, and tares.
There is more song than weekpin;
There is more sun than rain;
There is more golden reaping
Than lost and blighted grain.
There is more peace than terror;
There is more hope than fear;
There is more truth than error;
More rights than wrongs appear.
On the long road to glory
We climb more than we fall;
And by and large the story
Comes out right after all.


May Peace be with Us All.
Other Blessings, Lyrics, Poems & Quotes
Blessings Index Page
Blessings
Lyrics
Poems
Quotes
Resources:
A Healing Prayer the Reverend Wintley Phipps
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_past_20010920_prayer.html
Words of Comfort the Reverend Wintley Phipps
http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_past_20010917_prayer.html
Oprah Winfrey's Remarks as Master of Ceremonies. A Prayer for America http://www.oprah.com/tows/pfa/pfa_oprah.html
Pope Paul. General Audience Wednesday 12 September 2001
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2001/documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20010912_en.html
Pope Paul. September 16. Angelus. May the Blessed Virgin bring comfort to those who suffer in the tragedy
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/special_features/tragedies/20010911_hf-virgin_en.html
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi http://www.kirstimd.com/assisi.htm
Ancient Sufi Prayer http://www.kirstimd.com/sufipray.htm
Peace Prayer - One Day in Peace http://www.journeyofhearts.org/peaceday.htm
Powerful Prayers http://www.holisticonline.com/Prayer/hol_prayer_splprayers.htm
National Association for Poetry Therapy. Giving Sorrow Words: Poems of Strength and Solace http://www.poetrytherapy.org/poetry/index.html
Other Resources and Information:
United in Courage and Grief - Introduction Page
Why does my heart feel so bad?
What is Different about this Event?
The Importance of Telling the Story
Wake-up Call for the World
Health Concerns for Witnesses to The Events
Blessings, Prayers, Lyrics, Poems & Quotes
Remembering Our Children
Helping Children to Cope with Tragedy
More Resources
Ways of Helping & Coping
Creatively Expressing Grief
Share your thoughts in the new Message Forum Transformations on the Journey
Page posted October 7, 2001.
In Memory of all those lost and forever missing from the events on September 11, 2001, the day our world changed.
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