Do You Pray? Where I Was On September 11, 2001

Early on the morning of September 11, 2001, I attended a Founders Day chapel service at the Christian liberal arts college where my husband was an administrator. It was while there that I learned of the terrorist attacks against my country — and the incomprehensible loss of precious lives.  I did what many of you did:  I grieved … and I prayed.  In the evening, I returned to the church for an impromptu prayer service. Rather than cancel classes as did so many institutions of higher learning, I was proud that the administration and faculty understood that students needed them MOST at that time; not for teaching a curriculum, but for teaching Life. Their students were young and confused, hurting and angry.  They needed help working through the feelings caused by the unforeseen, horrific, inexcusable events. They needed mature guidance even as they were offered open arms and listening ears.

 

At such times of tragedy, people typically turn away from their religion — or they embrace it more tightly. Media reports shortly after September 11 told of Americans “returning to God” or “turning to prayer” for comfort. Sadly, even some of us who already prayed on a regular basis realized that we had become far too comfortable with our lives and had taken our freedoms for granted. In a spirit of repentance, we vowed to never let that happen again.

 

To help me keep that vow, this figurine (wearing her sweet PINK dress) now sits atop my refrigerator where I see her many times a day. She was in the bottom of a box of odds and ends I purchased at an auction. She’d been broken and repaired at least twice (haven’t we all?), but she has the most peaceful expression on her face as she bows in prayer. When I see her, I am simply reminded to pray. I don’t want prayer to be, as some have called it, “the greatest untapped resource.” I want to tap into its power as I communicate with my Creator. I want my life and my prayers to make a difference in the world, even as I begin where I live — in the United States of America.

 

No matter what country you call “home,” if you believe in the power of prayer, I hope you will renew your commitment to tap into that power. And as you do, I pray that the peaceful expression on my figurine will be mirrored on your face and in your heart — because you know that with God ALL things are possible.

 

If My people, who are called by My Name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
* * * * *
To those who lost family or friends in the September 11, 2001 attacks, my most heartfelt condolences. I pray that time has slightly eased your pain and that you have found peace with your Creator, even as together we pray that no other family will ever have to endure what yours has experienced.

Ever …

I’m joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday, and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for the September 11 edition of Pink Saturday.

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post. I have to tell you I really think your little lady is sweet. I have the set of them that was given to me when my grandma died. We had given them to her for a gift when I was little. Have a wonderful week. Sandi

  2. Susan, I love this pink post in so many ways. Not only is that figurine a treasure, but your words this morning were too.

    I love your comment “She has been broken and repaired… haven’t we all?” It speaks volumes to me.
    Love the admonition about prayer.

    Like you, I was at church when “IT” happened too. It was our morning Bible study time.

    I’m going to be thinking about this post as I head out to my deck in a few minutes for some quiet time.

    Thanks.

  3. I, too, was at church when I heard this awful news. We began to pray then and like many Americans attended many services in the aftermath. Thanks for the gentle reminder that we should always be in prayer. Just a lovely, heartfelt post.

  4. I still remember that day, Sep.11, when I was at my son’s preschool. I was their art teacher. I remember freezing and thinking: “is this the end?”
    I was really scared and it still gives me goosebumps.

  5. Yes, I do pray and I truly enjoyed your post. Hope you have a wonderfully blessed Pink Saturday and weekend.

    Sherry @ A Happy Valentine

  6. What a wonderful reminder to us all. We have the greatest gift in the world and to know that God is walking with us every day no matter what is such a blessing. Some people think to pray you have to do some formal thing. Prayer is really nothing more then talking to God. He knows us. We don’t have to put any front with Him. That is a great thing to know.

    Thanks for reminding everyone to pray more.

  7. Beautiful Post Susan! Yes, we will all remember, and we also became very close after that day…
    Hugs to you, Donna

  8. Extremely well written – that is the best thing we can do in any situation. When we pray we recognize that there is a God who is in control – that events on this earth occur – but, He has a master plan – to bring as many to Him as will come – yes, many turned to prayer – I am so glad to read your account and your testimony of the effect of that day and your commitment.
    God Bless,
    Kathy

  9. Oh yes I do pray! I esp pray today for the families who still grieve for their loved ones, the 800 children who lost a parent that day, and all who lost loved ones.
    And I pray for this country, are we any safer today?

  10. Amen.

  11. This is a beautiful post – and so important for all of us to understand. We need each other, and we need God. I met my dear husband at a Christian College in the Noth West – and I teach at a small Christian school. We are a family. How nice your husband was able to minister to others that awful day – we must pray, and repent. It’s time.

  12. What a moving and beautiful post. I couldn’t have said it any better.