This Service was held September 12, 2001 - Seven O'clock
O God, come to our assistance.
O Lord, hasten to help us.
The Lord grant us a restful night and peace at the last.
God of the ages, in your sight nations rise and fall, and pass through times of peril. Now, when our land is troubled, anxious, and mourning, be near to judge and to save. Bring comfort and strength to all who grieve for the loss of life at the hands of terrorists. Bless those who work for healing of body and spirit among the injured and afflicted. May our leaders be led by your wisdom; may they search your will and see it clearly. Give us your light and your truth to guide us; through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. AMEN.
Hymn O God, Our Words Cannot Express Tune: St Anne
Date: The day of the terrorist attack at the World Trade Center and the
Pentagon, September 11, 2001. "Carolyn wrote this new hymn today as our
family watched the news reports from New York City and Washington, DC."
O God, our words cannot express
The pain we feel this day.
Enraged, uncertain, we confess
Our need to bow and pray.
We grieve for all who lost their lives...
And for each injured one.
We pray for children, husbands, wives
Whose grief has just begun.
O Lord, we're called to offer prayer
For all our leaders, too.
May they, amid such great despair,
Be wise in all they do.
Tune: Attr. William Croft, 1708. Tune is in public domain.
Text: Copyright © 2001 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
305 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071 Phone: (856)-589-8444 Email: Bruce.Gillette@ecunet.org
*permission granted to re-print this hymn by email on September 14, 2001
with the following comment added: Please add: "FREE PERMISSION GRANTED
BY AUTHOR FOR REPRODUCTION OF THIS HYMN FOR WORSHIP.
SEE ALSO: 'GIFTS OF LOVE: NEW HYMNS FOR TODAY'S WORSHIP' (GENEVA PRESS)"
An offering for the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance fund (Please insert
Your Denominational Equivalent)
Will be received at the doors following the service, and in coming days.
Prayers
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work or watch or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe
the suffering, pity the
afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.
Eternal God, the hours of both day and night are yours, and to you the darkness
is no threat.
Be present, we pray, with those who labor in these hours of night,
especially those who watch and work on behalf of others.
Grant them diligence in their watching, faithfulness in their service, courage
in danger,
and competence in emergencies.
Help them to meet the needs of others with confidence and compassion;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Readings
Matt. 11:28_30
[Jesus said:] Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light.
1 John 4:18_20
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do
with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love
because he first loved us. Those who say, "I love God," and hate their
brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister
whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen.
John 14:27
[Jesus said:] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give
to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let
them be afraid.
Hymn Eternal Father, strong to save...
Concluding Prayer
O Lord, support us all the day long until the shadows lengthen and the evening
comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our
work is done.
Then, in your mercy, grant us a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at
the last; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
R. Charles Grant
Bon Air Presbyterian Church
9201 W Huguenot Road, Richmond, VA 23235
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