This year is the first year Olivia and I have lived in New York City on 9-11. We lived in Boston when it happened in 2001, and came down several times over the next several months, but we’ve never been “New Yorkers” on an anniversary. It was a crazy thought to think as I was getting on the Subway this morning, that that day started out normal for millions as well.
So today, as a new “New Yorker,” I want to offer a prayer for the City:
Lord, thank You for all You’ve done to heal hearts, minds, and bodies in the eight years since the attacks on New York City in 2001. Thank You for Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your power to overcome evil with good. I thank You that many have come to know You as they’ve sought answers to their questions. I thank You that You are the answer to any question. Thank You for bringing back this City to a place of prosperity and influence. Thank You for the gifts You have blessed it with. Thank You for people that recognize and honor those gifts.
God, I ask You to protect this place from another attack. I ask You to foil any plans that the enemy may have. Will You frustrate even the most cunning of masterminds? They hold nothing on You and Your omniscient, omnipresent power. You know everything. Before a thought has been born You know it and I ask You to be the great defender of New York City. David called You a Strong Tower and may the people look to You, and only You, as that refuge.
I pray for the Church of Your Son, Jesus, here in New York. May there be a mighty revival of power here. May the great cathedrals and churches be filled with Your Spirit in even greater portions than at their creation. May they be filled with believers and seekers. May the fire of Your presence consume all who call on Your name. Bring about repentance from our evil ways. May there be genuine sorrow and conviction for things in our lives and City that do not honor You. May that repentance be met with a raining of mercy and forgiveness that only You could bring. Bring revival to Your Church here, Jesus. And bring an awakening to those who have yet to come to know You. May Your workings and movement in this City be a testimony to America and to the world.
Thank You for Your unending, unfathomable love in the person of Jesus in whose name I offer this prayer. Amen.
Awesome! Thanks for that, Ben, and Amen to all of the above!
Thanks, Julie!