Morning Remembrance for September 11
A short service of scripture and lament in response to the tragedy of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Theme of the Service
Call to Worship Dale Cooper, College Chaplain
Hymn O God, Our Help in Ages Past Psalter Hymnal 170
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-27
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us.
For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Comments John D. Witvliet, Interim Dean of the Chapel
How can we pray honestly, in ways that express our doubts and fears as well as our faith, hope, and love?
How do we pray as a community of people from many tribes and languages and countries?
How can we pray in ways that acknowledge that, while evil is powerful, it is not final?
Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, as earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.
Intercessions
We invite you to participate in our prayer with short phrases that name a person, place, event, or concern (e.g., “our family friend, trapped inside the Trade Center,” “our friends on an oversea course,” ”thanks for an aunt who didn’t go to work yesterday," “President Bush,” “our professors”). After each we will speak the refrain:
Leader: Lord, in your mercy,
People: hear our prayer.
Sung Prayer O God of Every Nation Psalter Hymnal
606
Benediction