Today is the 17th year of remembering the attacks on America and the deaths of thousands in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. I remember where I was and how every moment of my day went. My wife remembers every detail of the day and the days that followed. I am sure that all of you that were alive in those days remember hearing about the attacks and watching all the chaos and destruction of the day. We can never forget this day because it would be an insult to those who lost their lives and to those responders and soldiers who give their lives to serve we Americans. One of the ways I continue to remember is telling my sons and now my daughter every year about what happened and how Americans responded to the attacks. Many people lost their lives, many lost their loved ones, many got mad, many were sad, many cried, many yelled, many went and found their loved ones and just spent time with them, and other's wanted solace and to be alone. I remember by recalling the events to myself, but event more, I remember by handing over the history to my children and teaching them the righteous way to react in love for their neighbor. 

Please pray today for all those who lost loved ones that day. They still mourn and still remember the day that part of their life was removed from them in an instant. 

Please pray for the soldiers who fight for our country, and the families that sacrifice their loved ones as they sacrifice for our freedoms. Please pray for all the armed forces, and pray that one day there is peace and no need for way and bloodshed.

Please pray for you your leaders in this country that they make wise, prudent, and just decisions. May they defend the weak and punish the one that would attack the downtrodden. 

Please pray for the church that she may continue to proclaim the Gospel in the midst of a world that would rather hate than love, attack than support, fight rather than make peace. Pray that Zion Lutheran Church, or your God-given congregation would continue to exist to be that place of forgiveness, concord, and encouragement in the grace and mercy of Jesus. Pray for your pastors that they do the work of the ministry, preaching the Law and the Gospel in confidence for the salvation of all that receive it.

Please pray for yourself and your family that you have a clean hear that lives in faith toward God and in fervent love toward your neighbor.

My prayer today is for everyone as they remember this tragedy. My prayer is also that the church continue to be the voice of Jesus in this world, that those who are in despair may know how much Jesus loves them, forgives them, and claims them as His own forever, Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog