# Prayer for peace after 9/11 by St. John Paul II
*2016-09-10*

> Bill Young presents a pre‑recorded prayer written by St. John Paul II after the September 11 attacks, asking the faithful to pray for peace and healing.

## Introduction

Good afternoon. I’m Bill Young, and welcome to the 150th episode of Prayer & Lunch. Today I’m sharing a prayer that Pope John Paul II composed in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. He asked us, “Dear brothers and sisters, join me in prayer.” He urged us to beg the Lord that the spiral of hatred and violence not prevail, and to ask the Blessed Virgin, Mother of Mercy, to fill our hearts with peace.

## The Prayer for Peace

Dear Lord,

We have felt the fear and grief that hatred brings. Help us to bond together as your people and heal the pain. Cherish the memories, and teach us to celebrate our differences. You created us all as your beloved children. Teach us to live in the example of your only Son—to live in faith, to be confident in hope, to act in charity, and to believe in the power of prayer. Help us find peace within our hearts and among all nations.

Amen.

## Reflection

Let us pray today for the victims of 9/11 and for all who suffer from hatred and division. May we choose love over hatred, unity over separation, and trust that, through Christ, anything is possible.

*Through prayer and love we can transform hatred into peace.*