Yesterday, Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the United States was ruthlessly attacked by faceless and cowardly terrorists. Two hijacked commercial airliners, filled with innocent passengers, were flown into the twin towers of The World Trade Center in New York City. Both towers eventually collapsed, hurling unknown numbers of people to their deaths. Another hijacked airliner, also with passengers aboard, crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C. A fourth hijacked airliner -- destination unknown -- crashed in a farmer's field in western Pennsylvania. Government officials said it was the darkest day for the United States since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
President George W. Bush appeared on television last night to reassure a stunned nation that the United States was still in one piece, and to reinforce America's resolve to flush out and punish those responsible for the terrorism. At the very end of his speech, President Bush quoted part of the 23rd Psalm. "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for you are with me..." (v.4) Even Peter Jennings of ABC News -- who had been on the air since the drama began early in the morning -- commented on the appropriateness of the quote. And, indeed, it was a great comfort for the country -- a society seemingly bent on abolishing God from its social fabric.
I am sure that many people are asking, "Why did God allow this terrible thing to happen?" The answer is simple. God had nothing to do with it. People did this. God was not consulted.
We may never know the reason why certain people took it upon themselves to snuff out so many innocent lives. Some speculate the culprits were religious zealots. Not likely. I don't think religion even entered into the picture. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were purely political acts by demented, insane minds. They wanted to make as big a political impact as possible. To this end, the attacks were successful. America was both shocked and appalled at these mindless and senseless acts. But the second goal -- to throw the country into turmoil -- was unsuccessful. President Bush reassured us that the government will continue as usual and the nation would go on. And from all indications, he was absolutely correct. Less than 18 hours after the attack, America had already started to pick up the pieces.
Christians should take a moral leadership during this crisis. We should not let blind hate control our actions or our tongues. We must not begin pointing fingers. Rather, Christians should maintain a calm and prayerful attitude.
Christians should do what they do best -- unite in prayer. Prayer-wise there is much to be done. We can do nothing for the dead. But the families of victims need our prayers. Police, fire and rescue personnel need our prayers. Doctors, nurses, and medical personnel tending the injured need our prayers. Elected officials need our prayers. Government agencies investigating this heinous crime need our prayers. Ministers counseling the bereaved need our prayers. Anyone who is the least bit involved need our prayers. And, yes, we must even pray for the criminals who perpetrated this evil.
Christians give a lot of lip service to the power of prayer and this tragedy gives us the opportunity to put our money where our mouths are. Through concerted prayer we can not only help those touched by this terror from the skies, we also have the chance to show the world that our God is a God of love and mercy -- no matter what the devil may do to try to befoul His Holy Name.
Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. (Psalm 86:6-7)
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Written by Ed Price, founder and editor of The Loving Heart.