Worship display for 9-11 Remembrance by Kim Evans. Includes candles for various portions of the prayer, two larger candles for the twin towers, two smaller candles for the Pentegon and Pennsylvania, red flowers in memory of the blood that was shed, rocks representing the rubble left behind, and yellow ribbons of hope.

Prayer for the 15^th Anniversary of 9/11
One (or several) lead the prayer while another person lights the candles.

ONE VOICE
We gather today with persons all over the world to remember and to pray. We light 15 candles, one for each year since our world changed. We gather together in faith, in hope, in God’s infinite love.

Heavenly Father, we commend to your mercy and grace all who died in the September eleventh attacks and all who have died in the past fifteen years while laboring to end terrorism.

Light candles 1-4 as each of the following is read
In New York City: 2,342 persons
In Arlington, Virginia: 184 persons
In Shanksville, Pennsylvania: 40 persons
411 New York City rescue workers

Light candles 5-10 candles as the following is read
Thousands of military personnel

Over 70 countries lost loved ones that day: family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors, heroes. In the face of their loss we claim your goodness, your faithfulness, and your power to bring good out of evil.

ALL VOICES
Traditional Setting, all speaking: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
Contemporary Setting, all singing: We Will Run, chorus only

ONE VOICE
Compassionate One, it has been 15 years, yet the pain is fresh for so many. Comfort all who continue to mourn the loss of loved ones. Come with assurance and peace for all who remain fearful for the future. Bring wholeness and hope to every broken place-
To broken bodies, broken hearts, and broken spirits
To broken relationships, broken systems, and broken faith

Light candle 11

ALL VOICES
Traditional Setting, all speaking: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
Contemporary Setting, all singing: We Will Run, chorus only

ONE VOICE
Our world remains a dangerous place O God, but with you there is safety and shalom.

ALL VOICES
You are our Rock, our Shield, our Defender.

ONE VOICE
Light candle 12 as the following is read

Draw together leaders of every nation. Give them ears to hear your wisdom and the courage to respond. Inspire them to work together for peace, justice and freedom.

Light candle 13 as the following is read

Strengthen all who risk their lives to protect others. Guard and favor all who work to make your world a place of peace.

ALL VOICES
Traditional Setting, all speaking: Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
Contemporary Setting, all singing: We Will Run, chorus only

ONE VOICE
We light the final two candles, one for our enemies and one for ourselves.

Light candles 14 and 15.

ALL VOICES
God of the Nations, it is so hard to love and pray for those who hate us. Help us to be faithful. Save us all from revenge, false teaching, and blind suspicion. Help us all recognize our contributions to conflict. Help us all understand the hurt that causes the hate. Change the hearts of all who seek their way by evil and violent means. Create in us clean hearts that beat with your unconditional compassion. Leave no one in the dark. Fill us all with your light. Make us all instruments of your peace. Amen.

ALL VOICES
Traditional Setting, all singing: Let There be Peace on Earth
(United Methodist Hymnal #431)
Contemporary Setting, all singing: We Will Run, chorus only

Conclude with passing the peace to one another

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© 2011 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia and Nicole Sallee
You are welcome to use this work in a worship setting with proper attribution. Please contact Lisa for information and permission to publish this work in any form.