Equal To Your Task
I have heard so frequently these past two days the question, "Why did God allow this to happen?"
While none of us can answer that question with any certainty, I think it is safe to assume that God shed the first tear at the horror being perpetrated in His name.
We have long known there was evil in the world and we have recoiled in horror from its broadcast images from far-flung cities around the world.
But those images are erased as the reality of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are so indelibly scorched into our collective consciousness.
As our power has grown, so has our peril.
We have inherited so much that was purchased by the sacrifice of so many who came before us.
Let us pray that those who have offered the newest sacrifice will have purchased more peace with their passing. Let us pray that we inherit the tolerance, forebearance, and decency of purpose that is the foundation of so great a nation. Let us pray that our anger does not dictate the use of religious differences as weapons but rather as a common bond, that the people of the world might come closer together and not be shoved farther apart.
Let us pray that we are deliberate in our resolve but focused in our
response. Let us pray that we do not fall victim to blind, mindless hatred
that begets hatred. Let us pray that love survives grief, that nations of
good will recognize the real threat posed to their survival, and that we
never forget the words of Reverend Phillips Brooks:
"Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger! Do not pray for
tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."
-- Steve Banko
I want to thank Steve for this moving prayer.
Here's a little information about him:
I spent 19 months in combat in Vietnam, was wounded six times, shot four and decorated eight. When I came home in February of 1969 on crutches as a result of a battle in Dec. '68 which claimed the lives of 111 of my 125 men, I was spat on in the bus station in Boston MA. I know how quickly our national fervor can wane.
Please pray for guidance for our nation.!!!!
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