Prayer offered by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios at the Prayer Services at Boston City Hall,
September 13, 2001
Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—Benevolent Lord, Creator and Sustainer of us all, hear us, Your children, at this time of national crisis and unbearable pain. We come to You because You are our Savior and Benefactor Who grants peace and solace to peoples and nations. It is You Who bore our sins on Your precious Holy Cross. It is only You that can heal our wounds and ease our suffering.
You have blessed our nation abundantly and guided us in times of sadness and despair. Yes, You have blessed America. “You have stood beside her, and guided her through the night with a light from above.”
Protect, we pray, our nation and its citizens at this time of tragedy of trial and crisis. Shield us under the shadow of Your Cross. Grant to us Your peace, Your love and help. Bestow solace and strength to the families of the innocent victims of the barbaric acts of violence in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
Open Your loving arms and welcome into Your tender embrace our brothers and sisters, our relatives, our friends and neighbors. . .the countless anonymous innocent who (in but an instant) were consumed in the horrific holocaust of hate.
Strengthen, we pray, our brave police and firefighters, the doctors, the nurses, and rescue workers who have rushed to the side of the victims. Their eyes have seen unspeakable violence, human pain and tragedy.
We pray for our President, the members of Congress and all in Public Service. Guide them and inspire their decisions at this time of national trial and travail.
Help us and people throughout the world to comprehend that we are all Your children. We are all brothers and sisters created in Your image and likeness. Guide us to live in harmony with one another, respectful of each other’s human rights and human dignity. We ask this of You, for You are a benevolent and loving God ant to You do we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
