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The following is a prayer service which can be used by families to prayer and bring peace. It was originally used as a prayer on the anniversary of 9/11 with those who suffered from 9/11: Prayer for Peace; Pledge for Tomorrow September 11, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Call to Prayer Introduction We are the Body of Christ and, today, our heart aches. One year ago today, several thousand of our fellow citizens died as a result of terrorist attacks on our country. As terrible as those moments were for all of us and in the midst of such horrendous loss of life, we witnessed extraordinary expressions of faith, courage, and compassion. The patriotism we felt in the days and months afterwards and continue to feel today calls ever more strongly to pursue "liberty and justice" for all Americans and for those around the world who continue to suffer from violence, poverty, and injustice. Through prayer, we recommit ourselves to the highest ideals of our religion and our country. We remember those courageous individuals who gave their lives unselfishly in service of others. We remember all those who have lost their lives since these attacks throughout the world, particularly in Afghanistan. Because we are a people of the resurrection, we also look forward. We look to the ways in which we can be people of hope and people of justice. We celebrate and commit ourselves to prayer and to acts of hope as we put our faith into action in shaping the world. As Catholics, we draw upon our faith to make this anniversary a time to remember, a time to deepen our commitment to discipleship, and a time to strengthen our active participation in efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. Opening Prayer God of faithfulness, we come before you today filled with both sorrow and hope. We are in need of your grace to redirect our hearts. We are in need of your hope to rekindle and sustain our passion for justice. We are in need of your wisdom that we might recognize anew your presence dwelling within us, calling us to live as children of light and hope rather than of darkness and fear. Be with us in our prayer this day. Help us to truly believe, not only in your abiding presence within and among us, but in the power of our prayer to move mountains. All this we ask in the name of Jesus our brother, who shares our lives and Yours in the unity of the Spirit. Amen. First Reading: Isaiah 32: 15 - 20 The spirit from on high will be poured out on us. Then will the desert become an orchard and the orchard be regarded as a forest. Right will dwell in the desert and justice abide in the orchard. Justice will bring about peace; right will produce calm and security. My people will live in a peaceful country, in secure dwellings and quiet resting places. The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 85: 9 - 14 Response: The Lord speaks of peace to the people.
All: The Lord speaks of peace to the people
The Lord speaks of peace to his people. I will hear what God proclaims; The Lord proclaims peace To the people, and to the faithful ones, Near indeed is salvation to those who fear God, Glory dwelling in our land.
All: The Lord speaks of peace to the people
Kindness and truth shall meet, Justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And justice shall look down from heaven.
All: The Lord speaks of peace to the people
The Lord will give gracious benefits; Our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before the truthful people, And salvation, along the way of their steps.
All: The Lord speaks of peace to the people
Second Reading: Colossians 3: 12 - 15 Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, cloth yourselves with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievance you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord has forgiven you. Over all these virtues put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect. Christ’s peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body, you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. The Word of the Lord.
All: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1 - 12 When Jesus saw the crowd, he went up on the mountainside. After he had sat down his disciples sat around him, and he began to teach them. How blest are the poor in spirit: the reign of God is theirs. Blest too are the sorrowing: they shall be consoled. Blest are they who hunger and thirst for holiness: they shall have their fill. Blest are they who show mercy: mercy shall be theirs. Happy are the single-hearted: they shall see God. Happy are the peacemakers: they shall be called children of God. Happy are those persecuted for justice sake: the reign of God is theirs. Happy are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of slander against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, for your reward in heaven is great. The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ Reflection Litany of Hope Leader: In the midst of hunger and war, All: We celebrate the promise of plenty and peace. Leader: In the midst of oppression and tyranny, All: We celebrate the promise of service and freedom. Leader: In the midst of doubt and despair, All: We celebrate the promise of faith and compassion. Leader: In the midst of fear and betrayal, All: We celebrate the promise of joy and loyalty. Leader: In the midst of hatred and death, All: We celebrate the promise of love and life. Leader: In the midst of sin and decay, All: We celebrate the promise of salvation and renewal. Leader: In the midst of death on every side, All: We celebrate the promise of life given by our Creator.
Exchange of a sign of peace. Pledge and Commitment Ceremony Closing Prayer Loving God, help us to realize that true peacemaking can only become a reality in our world today if it is first a matter in our hearts. September 11 reminded us that our country has been blessed with tremendous resources that we must use wisely in the service of others, both within our own borders and around the world. We ask for the gifts of civility and charity so that we can treat others with respect and love. We ask for the gifts of faith and hope to strengthen our spirits by placing our trust in You rather than ourselves. We ask for the gifts of courage and compassion that will move us into action to help those in need in the United States as well as throughout the world. We ask for the gifts of humility and kindness so that we may put the needs and interests of others ahead of our own. We ask for the gifts of patience and perseverance to endure the long struggle for justice. We ask for all of this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Pledge of Allegiance Song: America the Beautiful Pledge for Tomorrow On this first anniversary of September 11, 2001, I pledge to: Pray for justice and peace throughout the world. Learn about Catholic social teaching and issues that lead to injustice and violence. Reach out to those of other faith traditions and seek to understand their beliefs. Witness our values of mutual respect, human dignity, and respect for life. Serve others by changing unjust structures. Stand in solidarity with those who suffer. Hope in a better world transformed by our prayer and actions |