A Call to Prayer ...from many religious leaders Please click the blue triangle to reach what each had to say. Billy Graham Within the last few hours the United States has suffered the most terrible and devastating terrorist attack in its history. Although we do not yet know the full story, these unspeakable acts of brutality strike at the very heart of our free society. Our heartfelt prayers and sympathy go out to all who have been directly touched by this tragedy, and their families. I call upon all Americans to pray especially for our President and for all who advise him, that they may have divine wisdom as they respond to this insane and horrific act. In times like this we realize how weak and inadequate we are, and our greatest need is to turn in repentance and faith to the God of all mercy and the Father of all comfort. If ever there was a time for us to turn to God and to pray as a nation, it is now, that this evil will spread no further. It is also a time for us to remember the words of the Psalmist: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea ... He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God ... The Lord of hosts is with us." (Psalm 46:1-2, 9-11) Sheila Walsh Craig Parshall Janet Parshall Rabbi Scott Sekulow Franklin Graham Carmen Pate Woodrow Kroll Nancy Leigh DeMoss Luis Palau Dr. James Dobson Ray Pritchard Cardinal Edward Egan Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II sent a telegram to President George W. Bush. "I hurry to express to you and your fellow citizens my profound sorrow and my closeness in prayer for the nation at this dark and tragic moment," he said. Speaking at his Wednesday audience, he said Americans should have the courage to persevere because "evil and death will not have the last word." He said he was praying for the victims' souls and for their families. Bishop T.D. Jakes Charles W. Colson Steve Douglass In light of the recent terrorist attacks on our country, we ask for your immediate and fervent prayer on behalf of our nation's victims, our government leaders, and those dedicated individuals rendering aid and assistance in New York and Washington, D.C. We are blessed to report that all Campus Crusade staff in New York City and Washington, D.C., are well and accounted for. Many are already on the scene praying and encouraging those in shock and pain with the message of our Lord's love. As God would have it, our President's Cabinet was in session when the attacks happened. We are dedicating ourselves to doing what Jesus would have us do in this time of national crisis. The promise of Romans 8:28 has not ceased to be true. We have every reason to hope and not despair. Please claim God's wisdom for us and the Crisis Management Team as we continue to meet. Steve Douglass is president of Campus Crusade for Christ. Larry Huch Dr. Frank Wright The shocking and tragic events of these days have reminded us anew of the fragility of life. Thousands went to work yesterday thinking about their jobs, their families, their friends — perhaps the last thing on their mind was the idea of meeting their Maker. Yet in an instant, they were brutally thrust out of time and into eternity. We grieve today with those who have lost dear loved ones, and we call upon God who is merciful and just and pray that His grace would be abundant in this time of need. Life is indeed fragile. It also precious, as evidenced by the fact that “God spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all.” Dr. Frank Wright is the director of the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship in Washington, D.C. Commissioner Joe Noland