St. Paul’s Cycle of Prayer – Friday – Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Marthas, worship volunteers (acolytes, ushers and greeters, chalice bearers) and all over volunteer groups who work so tirelessly and joyfully for the Kingdom of God and the Body of Christ at St. Paul’s.

(click Prayer Instructions for links to Morning or Evening Prayer for today)

On this anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack on our nation, I reflect back on the church’s reaction. There was a moment in time where people of America were united in ways I don’t know I have seen in my lifetime. At the same time, people flocked to churches, seeking meaning, questioning life, hoping for a word of comfort. Churches all over the country reported large crowds at special prayer services and the like. I wonder what happened to those people, many of whom rarely if ever graced a worship service? Why didn’t they come back? Was the “church” ready to walk along side them in their fear, in their anger, in their confusion, in their search for answers?

It’s one reason why I usually focus on the Psalms when reflecting on the office readings. All those same emotions are evident in the Psalms, the people of God have questioned and praised and wondered and shouted and sought and cried and rejoiced and questioned again since the dawn of faith. Church needs to be a place where those who question are welcomed, embraced even, and invited to share the journey with one another. I hope our church is a place like that for people.

Today let us remember those who lost their lives in 2001 and all those who have fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate price in the wars that followed. Let us also pray for peace.