Ezerwoman's Blog

We all know where we were ten years ago on 9/11.  I was privileged to be in the presence of our younger son who was studying flight manuals for the airline that had just hired him.  Together, we saw plane number two crash through the second of the twin towers.   Josh didn’t know it, but his life would be significantly changed by 9/11.  The airline industry struggled in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.  In all reality, every American’s life was affected by the attack on our country.

I began praying.  I called my husband who was in Omaha at the time watching Air Force One circle overhead.  I called my dad.  Our eldest son.  My brother and sister-in-law.  Other family members and friends.  It was important for me to know where everyone was and that they were o.k.  The prayers continued.

Ten years ago, 2,753 people — most of them our fellow citizens — died in the name of Islam.  The plot against America was strategically planned and carried out by Muslims jihadists who, after a great many daily prayers calling on the name of Allah, intended to gain their way into paradise.

This Sunday, a memorial event will be celebrated at Ground Zero.  Many people have expressed strong opinion about praying together where the towers once stood.  Others have expressed strong opinion in opposition of any kind of joint prayer.  But, are all religions the same?  Do we all pray to the same god?  Are all gods equal to the one true God — the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?  The Triune God of Old and New Testament?  The God who calls Himself “The Word made flesh” (John 1)?

Twelve days after the 9/11 attacks, the mayor of New York City called for a “Prayer for America” memorial service.  Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews, and Christians were given opportunity to “pray.”  Tragically, reports Michael Youssef, “every representative of Christian denominations, but one, judiciously avoided mentioning the unmentionable — Jesus Christ — out of political correctness.  There was only one elderly Armenian Orthodox bishop who dared to utter the name of our Savior, the Son of the living God.”  (onenewsnow.com 9-3-11)

God warned Moses before entering the Promise Land that His people must not fall into syncretism by mixing their worship with that of the Canaanites.  The Canaanites worshiped every sort of god, yet no god at all.  God’s people disobeyed.  They attempted to mix Yahweh — “I Am” — with the gods — “I think I am” — of false religions.

As I ponder on 9/11 and its significance for me, I think of all the freedoms I enjoy because I was born in this country.  These freedoms are hallmark of this extraordinary republic.  I want to pray faithful to the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods.”  I want to pray as a believer in the Triune God — one God who reveals Himself as Creator, Redeemer, and Encourager.  I want to pray as a Christian citizen motivated to push back evil even as I help build a culture on Truth.

I can.  I should.  I will.  But, my prayers will not be said at a prayer service where others are praying to Allah.  Buddha.  Mother god.  Where all voices are raised to what too many presume to be the “same god.”

My prayers and supplications to the Savior, Jesus Christ, will not be alone.  There will be countless — millions — of others.  No one can stop these prayers.  They will be lifted from churches.  Homes.  Small family circles.

God of grace and God of glory, on Your people pour Your power.  Grant us wisdom, grant us courage… for the facing of this hour (LSB 850) . . . in Jesus’ name.  Amen.