25 years ago today, the world witnessed an act of unimaginable violence that changed countless lives forever.
On 11 September 2001, thousands of people went to work, boarded aeroplanes, travelled to school and began what they expected to be an ordinary day. By the end of that day, thousands had lost their lives, families had been devastated, communities had been changed, and a profound sense of grief and uncertainty had spread around the world.
Twenty-five years later, we remember.
We remember those who lost their lives in New York, at the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania. We remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and other emergency workers who ran towards danger to help others. We remember those who were injured, those who lost loved ones, and all whose lives were changed forever.
We also remember the many acts of courage, compassion and selflessness that emerged in the midst of tragedy.
A Scripture for remembering
The Bible reminds us that God is especially close to those who are hurting:
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18
Twenty-five years may have passed, but grief does not follow a calendar. For many, the memories remain vivid. Today gives us an opportunity to pause, to remember, and to bring before God all those whose lives were touched by that terrible day.
We pray, too, for a world where violence gives way to peace, hatred gives way to understanding, and fear gives way to hope.
Jesus says:
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
— Matthew 5:9
A Prayer for 9/11
Loving and merciful God,
Today we remember.
We remember the thousands who lost their lives on 11 September 2001.
We remember those who never came home,
those who waited for loved ones who never returned,
and those whose lives were changed forever.
We remember the courage of those who ran towards danger,
the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and ordinary people
who put the lives of others before their own.
We pray for those who still carry the pain of that day.
For families who continue to mourn.
For survivors who carry memories and scars.
For communities that were forever changed.
Lord, where there is grief, bring comfort.
Where there is fear, bring peace.
Where there is anger, bring understanding.
Where there is hatred, plant the seeds of love.
Forgive us when we allow fear and division to separate us from one another.
Help us to be peacemakers in our own communities,
to reject violence and hatred,
to stand alongside those who suffer,
and to work for a world where every human life is valued.
May the memory of those who died
challenge us not simply to look back,
but to build a more peaceful and compassionate future.
God of all, hold the brokenhearted in your loving arms
and grant eternal rest to those who have died.
May your peace, which is beyond all understanding,
guard our hearts and minds.
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
We remember. We pray. We hope.
As we mark 25 years since 9/11, may our remembering never become merely looking back.
May it lead us towards compassion.
May it lead us towards reconciliation.
May it lead us towards peace.
And may we remember the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.”
— Isaiah 2:4
Today, from Bellshill Central Parish Church, we pause in remembrance and prayer.
We remember all those who lost their lives.
We remember all those whose lives were changed.
And we pray for peace.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 