A Prayer for 9/11

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 our church observed a moment of silence, followed by a prayer.  


I tried to script a prayer but my memory kept nagging me with a quote from Charles Spurgeon, gently scorning pastors who read their written prayers.  I can't find the quote, and I don't even know if I am characterizing his true feelings.  However, because of all the emotions and interpretations of that day I felt there were too many things that could go wrong.  
So we did our moment of silence.
Then I prayed for a few moments.
And then I read aloud the words of this hymn, written by Isaac Watts, based on Psalm 90.  So good, Isaac (and David, of course!).  


O God Our Help in Ages Past
O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Our shelter from the stormy blast,

And our eternal home.




Under the shadow of Thy throne

Still may we dwell secure;

Sufficient is Thine arm alone,

And our defense is sure.




Before the hills in order stood,

Or earth received her frame,

From everlasting Thou art God,

To endless years the same.


O God, our help in ages past,

Our hope for years to come,

Be Thou our God while life shall last,

And our eternal home.