Opening Prayer
09/11/2001
Reverend Daniel P. Coughlin
A continuation of Legislative Day of September 11, 2001. Prayer offered on September 12, 2001:
O God, come to our assistance.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Yesterday we were stunned, angry and violated. Today, Lord, we stand strong and together. Yesterday changed our world. Today we are changed.
We have humbly prayed to You, O Lord God of Heaven and Earth, yesterday and through the night. Now we turn to You for Your guidance and sense of eternal truths which built this Nation as we begin a new day of building security and peace through justice.
We mourn our dead and reach out with prayer and acts of compassion to all those families splattered with blood and exhausted by tears. Heal the wounded. Strengthen all civil servants, medical and religious leaders as they attempt to fill the gaping holes left in the fabric of our Nation.
Send forth Your Holy Spirit, Lord, upon all the Members of Congress, the President, and all government leaders across this Nation. Free them of fear, any prejudice whatsoever, remove all doubt and confusion from their minds. With clear insight which comes from You and You alone, reveal all that is unholy, and renew the desire of Your people to lives of deepening faith, unbounding commitment, and lasting freedom here where liberty has made her home.
We place our trust in You now and forever. Amen.