wfn.org | Litany After an Act of Terror - from Lutheran Church

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

ACNS 2650 - USA - 13 September 2001

Litany after an act of terror

by the Revd Thomas L. Weitzel
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

[ENS 2001-242] The following litany has been written for parish, ecumenical
and interfaith use.

L. Let us pray for our nation and those in need at this time of disaster and
mourning.

Silence

L. Almighty and compassionate God, our eyes could hardly watch, nor our ears
hear, nor our minds conceive nor hearts believe the unfolding of the tragic
events of September 11. Never have we seen such horrific terror and
slaughter of the innocent. Never have we experienced our shores, our
airports, our commerce, our communications and our government in such a
quick and total state of lock down, alert and defence. We are attacked and
besieged. Fear and mourning have gripped our souls. Tears and anger flow
with abandon. Life and liberty have been severely challenged. O God, in such
a moment of shock, we hardly know what to pray. And yet we know, in you
alone will we find hope, comfort and strength.
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. For the untold thousands of injured and bereaved in our nation,
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. For those who do not know the fate of their loved ones,
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. Be among us in our fears and ours tears. Give comfort and support to our
hearts and our souls.
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. Refresh and strengthen those who aid and those who lead, even as we give
thanks for so many acts of generosity, kindness and heroism.
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. Unite this nation in one resolve and protect the foundations of our
liberty.
C. Great God of all, have mercy and heal us.

L. God of love, God of truth, God of life, God of hope, you know our needs
are great at this time. You know them better than we can even state them
now. In your mercy, hear our prayer. In your wisdom, grant us those things
that will lead us forward to wholeness, love and peace again. In your grace,
bless us in this time with your holy and life-giving presence. For blessed
are you, O God, and blessed is all that you do.
C. Amen

_________________________
The ACNSlist is published by the Anglican Communion Office, London.