God of love,
For those of us who were alive on September 11, 2001, the memories of the trauma are seared into our brains. We grieve the loss.
The loss of 2996 of your children, their futures snatched from them by violent terror attacks.
The loss of fathers and mothers, children and brothers and sisters.
The loss of first responders and valiant passengers on a plane, heroes who sacrificed to save others.
The loss of so much potential.
The loss of innocence for children, who could not understand such callous hatred.
The loss of a sense of security for a nation.
So much loss and grief.
But we remember, too, the reshuffling of our values that came as a result.
The reminder to actively love those around us, particularly friends and family.
The honest and authentic patriotism that bound us together, whatever our politics or creed.
The willingness to help others in any way we could.
The pride we felt for those who served and worked to help.
The return to faith.
The gathering of the faithful, as we wept together into the skirts of mother church.
The prayers. I remember the prayers.
So, God, I pray today for the families of those who were lost that day, and for all of us, that we might live knowing that one day, perhaps even today, it will be our last day in this realm. Teach us to order our priorities accordingly.
Amen.