GUEST OPINION
By: The Rev. Kathy Nelson
The following comments were made by the Rev. Kathy Nelson at a prayer service held Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church at Dayton.
Dear Friends:
On this tragic day in American history we gather in the presence of god to be united as a people of faith and as a nation drawn together by common beliefs, hopes, dreams, and interests. Let us gather this night to show forth our respect for those who lost their lives this day aboard four of our U.S. airlines, and those who died in the twin terror attacks that took down our World Trade Center in New York City, as well as those in our nations capital working within the confines of our national security building, the Pentagon.
Hear the words of scripture as they call us to worship god.
Our help is in the name of the lord, who made heaven and earth. The eternal god is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. Therefore let us remember, that god is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.
Let us pray.
O god, who has made of one blood all the nations of the earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and remove from the world for ever the dreadful threat and menace of war. Guide us all this night, by your holy spirit and restrain the passions of your people, so that further bloodshed may be averted. By the pouring out of your spirit upon all flesh, awaken the sense of our common brotherhood and sisterhood, bringing all of us into communion with you.
God, we humbly ask that you would be with the people of this nation, especially with our senators and representatives in Congress, direct and lead their thoughts and enable them with our President, George Bush, to order safety, preserve our honor, and secure the well-being of our citizens both at home and abroad.
Gracious god, be with the families of those who lost their lives today, those in offices, rescue workers police, fire fighters, and medical personnel, and those on our planes. When we wake tomorrow help us with new resolve to face what is ahead of us as a nation seeking to secure our boarders and preserve our great land. Help us to work together to support those in need and those who mourn. Give us courage and confidence in what we have and enable us to with strong resolve support our president, military and government leaders who will seek on our behalf to bring those responsible for today’s tragedies to justice. Grant us all now a safe haven in you, our refuge and strength, for we ask this in the strong and certain name of Jesus Christ our lord and savior. Amen.
Remember with me the words of the Gospel of John:
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it."
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. These words of certainty said often at our Christmas services remind us now and always of god’s abiding presence with us in Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
The light shines this night, in this darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
God protect you and bless you.
The Rev. Dr. Kathy Nelson is the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church at Dayton.

