SEASONS      OCCASIONAL SERVICES FOR:   CHURCHES     PASTORS     BISHOPS      +      RENEWING THE CHURCH     ABOUT THE AUTHOR     DONATIONS

Litany after an Act of Terror

by The Rev. Thomas L. Weitzel
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The following litany has been written for parish, ecumenical and interfaith use following a national act of terrorism.

L = Leader       C = Congregation/People

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 defense. 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