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Document No 68
2001 Page last updated:
27 July, 2005
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic hospital
A service of commemoration
for September 11th
(Before the service starts, extracts from Mozart's Requiem will be played. This is being performed all around the world today to commemorate last year's events)
The Candles on the Altar are lit
Minister: We gather together today before Almighty God, whose purposes are good, whose power sustains the world he has made, who loves us, even though we have failed in his service.
We remember especially those who died last September 11 th ; we thank him for all who laid down their lives for others; we pray for those who still suffer through war and are in need; we remember his faithfulness in times of darkness and despair; we confess our failure to live in peace with one another as God intended; we re-dedicate ourselves in his service that his will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, and that his kingdom of peace and joy may fill the hearts of people everywhere.
Let us confess to God the shortcomings of the world, it's pride, it's selfishness, it's greed, it's evil divisions and hatred. Let us confess our share in what is wrong, and our failure to seek and establish that peace which God wants for his world.
All: Lord God, the well being of people and not their destruction is your will. We confess to you the wrongs we have done, for our blindness to human need and suffering, and our indifference to injustice and cruelty. Take all violence from our midst. Extinguish hatred in our hearts. Give peace to the world you loved and created, we pray. Amen.
Bible reading: Micah 4: 1-4
(The prophet Micah's vision of a world where people have learned to live in peace and harmony)
Psalm 90
All:
Lord, you have been our refuge
From one generation to another.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or the earth and the world were formed,
From everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back from the dust and say:
‘Turn back, O children of earth'.
For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday,
Which passes like a watch in the night.
You sweep them away like a dream;
they fade away suddenly like grass.
In the morning it is green and flourishes;
In the evening it is dried up and withered.
So teach us to number our days
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
Turn again, O Lord; how long will you delay?
Have compassion on your servants.
Satisfy us with your loving kindness in the morning,
that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.
Give us gladness for the days you have afflicted us,
and for the years in which we have seen adversity.
Show your servants your works,
and let your glory be over their children.
May the gracious favour of the Lord our God be upon us;
prosper our handiwork; O prosper the work of our hands.
Prayers
Minister:
Let us pray for the peace of the world: for statesmen and rulers, that they may have wisdom to know and courage to do what is right…
For all who work to improve international relationships, that they may find the right way to reconcile people of different race, colour, and creed…
For men, women and children all over the world, that they may have justice and freedom, and live in security and peace…
For those still traumatised by the events of September 11 th , for those who still suffer as a result of war; for those who mourn their dead, for the injured and disabled and for the mentally distressed…
For those who are called upon to lay down their lives in the service of others…
Act of commemoration
Minister: Let us now remember before God those who died in the events of September 11 th .
(2 minutes of silence are kept)
Minister: Almighty and eternal God, hear our prayers and thanksgivings for all whom remember this day; fulfil in them the purposes of your love; and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy. Amen,
Act of commitment
All: Lord God, we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humanity in the cause of peace, and for the relief of want and suffering. Guide us and give us wisdom; give us courage, and keep us faithful now and always.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me give love,
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is sadness, joy;
Where there is darkness, light;
For your mercy's sake. Amen.
The candles on the altar are extinguished
Minister: Though we extinguish these candles, we carry out with us the flame of hope in our hearts. Let us depart in peace to bring God's hope of a better world to all those we meet.
We depart in peace
Please take this order of service home with you
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