Eternal God, Source of Life, Creator of all flesh,
From out of the depths we call unto you.
Protect us from the hand of all our enemies.
Comfort Your children who now stand alone
without parent or brother or sister or child.

Strengthen us to stand with those orphaned by this attack on our country.
This country, our country, shelter of peace to the downtrodden,
Which has gathered in millions of the peoples of the world
Stands as a beacon of light and justice,
But today is dimmed with horror and tragedy.

New York and Washington, shining cities,
Diminished like Jerusalem after the destruction of the holy Temple,
Need Your comfort, and our aid;
Help us to maintain our courage and our efforts to support our people.

Strengthen the hands of those who defend this country,
And those who try to maintain peace against these attacks.
Teach us to speak to our children
With love and support and courage and understanding,
For we are all fearful, although their fears may not be our fears.

Gain for us a heart of wisdom,
That we may act out of compassion and thoughtfulness,
And not out of anger or prejudice.
Accept with mercy our prayers for our country and its government
For its president, judges, officials and institutions who faithfully toil
for the good of our country.

May they, with Your guidance, lead us back to lives of peace in a land we
have come to love.

(Attributed to Jeffrey A. Spitzer. Part of Prayers For Healing and Consolation, Temple Beth-El, Hillsborough, NJ, September 14, 2001)

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