A Time to Remember

I remember where I was on 9/11 and I bet you do too. I was serving Leesville First Methodist and had many military families in our church. I found out that all had been placed on High Alert - their lives and our lives have not been the same since. I don't care if you think our military response is right or wrong. I am asking you to do what I called our church family to do that day - Pray

Max Lucado shared a beautiful prayer for the nation just days after 9/11, and I would like to share part of that with us: "We're still hoping, we'll wake up. We're still hoping we'll open a sleepy eye and think, "What a horrible dream." But we won't, will we Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and dear Father, We are sad.

We are sad, Father, for as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn't.

And so we come to you. We don't ask for help, we beg you for it. We don't request it; we implore it. We know what you can do.

We thank you dear Father, for these hours of unity. Christians are praying with Jews. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity. (my side note - above all, PRAY FOR THIS SENSE OF UNITY TO RETURN - CHRIS)

We thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you, O Lord. And he has no idea what You can do.

Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us, wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy on the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you have used her to heal a hurting world. DO IT AGAIN, LORD. DO IT AGAIN. AMEN!

Sincerely,
Chris Blanchard