We grope for words to pray

Hymn writer Carl P. Daw wrote this hymn text shortly after the attacks of September 11, 2001. It debuted on September 18 and we sang it at King of Peace that following Sunday five years ago:

When sudden terror tears apart
the world we thought was ours,
we find how fragile strength can be,
how limited our powers.

As tower and fortress fall,
we watch
with disbelieving stare
and numbly hear
the anguished cries
that pierce the ash-filled air.

Yet most of all
we are aware
of emptiness and void:
of lives cut short,
of structures razed,
of confidence destroyed.

From this abyss of doubt and fear
we grope for words to pray,
and hear our stammering tongues embrace
a timeless Kyrie.

Have mercy, Lord, give strength and peace,
and make our courage great;
restrain our urge to seek revenge,
to turn our hurt to hate.

Help us to know your steadfast love,
your presence near as breath;
rekindle in our hearts the hope
of life that conquers death.

In the archives is the sermon from last September 11, Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding a Firm Foundation.