This year we will observe the tenth anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001—when terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C. killed thousands and precipitated a “War on Terror” that has now spanned a decade and circled the globe. The PC(USA) has designated a season of prayer in observance of this anniversary. Material will be posted on the Musings blog beginning Thursday September 1 and running through September 11. Each day there will be a scripture passage, a short reflection, suggestions for action or how you might live out the scripture passage and a closing prayer. We particularly encourage you to consider the ideas for action and to share your thoughts, prayers and acts with us here on Musings.
The prayers will be based on the Lectionary epistle reading for Sunday, August 28, 2011—Romans 12:9-21. This passage from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome sets forth the parameters for Christian life in a time of fear and violence, hatred and persecution. It also offers a compelling model for faithful Christian witness and response in our own day—a time no less fraught with conflict, anxiety, and suspicion among neighbors and nations. The full reflection can be found at Eleven Days of Prayer.
First Presbyterian Church, Shreveport will mark this tragic event by participating in an ecumenical Service of Peace and Hope at 5:00 p.m. on September 11 in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Shreveport. We and five other Highland area churches, including St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Noel United Methodist, St. John Berchmans, Church for the Highlands, and First Baptist, will be joining their respective choirs and ministers to lead this hour-long service of anthems, hymns, scripture, Taizé, instrumental music, prayers, and a meditation by our pastor Pen Peery. All are invited to attend this moving time of reflection as we gather together as worshipping congregations.
