Prayer For 9/11

The following was written by Albert C. Bayer, father of Southeast's Al Bayer, shortly after September 11, 2001.

Oh, Father, we mourn for all mankind,

that life should end before it's time,

but especially those so young and bold

for their full life story is yet untold.

Many were apt and on the road to fame,

showing to the world it was their aim,

but alas, their souls now cry from graves of rubble

as they ask us, "why?"

Because we were old and wisdom prone,

pray forgive us, Lord, we should have known.

Now one hundred ten layers of sand, steel and stone,

an emblazoned hell of blood, flesh and bone.

Many dreams, love and memories now buried in sand,

pray, Lord, give them courage their new future to plan.

Past dreams now shrouded in smoke, dust and fumes,

toxic from the firing of those many tombs.

Pray comfort for the loss of spouse, parent and friend

only help from on high can change or amend.

Pray let much honor be on those that lost life

while saving others in the midst of that strife.

With only minutes to live some strove to change,

though death came quickly it was not in vain,

for a nation as one arose flags unfurled,

showing strength and purpose to all the world.

Still shocked and frightened, our tempers flare.

As we search for the enemy, though we know not where.

Pray help us to be brave, sure, wise and strong,

as we engage such a group where no honor belongs.

Lord, we seek not to avenge but deliverance from same;

knowing vengeance belongs to only Your name.

Let sound judgment and purpose direct those that go forth

with your blessing and strength abiding their course.

Obeying the Gospel

In a recent sermon, Michael encouraged us as Christians to:

• Walk in the Way
• Lay down our lives
• Make friends
• Speak boldly and openly
• Share our strength
• Bear one another’s burdens

And to do it with joy!

How is that obeying the gospel, and is it too hard to do?

The Gospel

Thought for the day from John Wesley:

"Do all the good you can, with all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

Jesus reduced the purpose of life down to two commands: love God and love your neighbor. Then he refined it by adding "as I have loved you."

What does this look like in your life?

Christ Formed

In a recent sermon, Michael made a reference to Galatians 4:19 "My little children, for whom I am again in the pain of childbirth until Christ is formed in you."

What are your thoughts as to what changes occur in your life as Christ continues to be formed in you? Do you see those changes happening in yourself?