Reflections on 9-11

I was in the mountains at the second weekend of my Wood Badge training on September 11. I can't tell you how moving it was to be outside, seeing the flag raised and then lowered to half mast and participating in a inner-faith worship service on this sacred day. 5 of us scouters were in charge of the inner-faith worship service and this is the reading that I chose to share. It comes from a Jewish reading/prayer written for 9-11.

Source of Life, Creator of all flesh,

From out of the depths we call unto you,
Protect us from the hand of all our enemies.
Comfort Your children who now stand alone
Without parent or brother or sister or child.

Strengthen us to stand with those orphaned by this attack on our country,
This country, our country, shelter of peace to the downtrodden,
Which has gathered in millions of the peoples of the world
Stands as a beacon of light and justice,
But today is dimmed with horror and tragedy.

New York and Washington, shining cities,
Diminished like Jerusalem after the destruction of the holy Temple,

Need Your comfort, and our aid;
Help us to maintain our courage and our efforts to support our people.

Strengthen the hands of those who depend this country,
And those who try to maintain peace against these attacks.
Teach us to speak to our children
with love and support and courage and understanding,
for we are all fearful, although their fears may not be our fears.

Gain for us a heart of wisdom,
That we may act out of compassion and thoughtfulness,
And not out of anger or prejudice.

Accept with mercy our prayers for our country and
Its government, for its president, judges, officials and
institutions who faithfully toil for the good of our country.

May they, with Your guidance, lead us back to lives
Of peace in a land we have come to love.