The steadfast love of God never ceases,
God’s mercies never come to an end;
They are new each morning.
The path of the just is like the light of dawn,
its brightness growing into perfect day.
We turn to you, O Light and Life of all people,
for in your light alone, may we see the right and find the good.
In this house of light, we remember those whose lives are darkened by the wrongdoing of others.
In this house of joy, we remember all sorrowing and anxious people.
Eternal God, who inspires all heroic love, keep alive in our hearts the spirit that makes men and women scorn the way of safety in the face of terror.
Help those who interpret this week’s tragedy as evidence of divine wrath come to know you as a compassionate, loving God who draws all people unto yourself.
Merciful God, we confess that we have made too little effort to understand the peoples of the world and to reconcile the conflicting hopes and fears that have brought endless strife. Guide and inspire those who seek justice and peace, that all nations may find their security in that perfect love that casts out fear.
Finally, grant us the grace and courage to ask what You would have us do, that the spirit of wisdom might save us from false choices, and that in your light we may see the straight path and our feet not stumble.
Sources: Lamentations 3:22-23, NRSV; Proverbs 4:18, New Jerusalem; Hymns of the Spirit, p. 11, 65, 69
Posted by Sue Mosher at September 16, 2001 04:05 PM