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 The events in New York City and elsewhere today are unprecedented in our lifetime. The terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the deliberate downing of domestic aircraft, are absolutely unconscionable. And yet these tragedies are now forever welded in our minds. This is to the 21st century what Pearl Harbor was to the 20th century, except this was an attack on innocent civilians. We must pray continuously for the families and friends of the victims, for the success of rescue workers still looking for survivors, and for our President and his aides as they formulate an appropriate response to this act of terror. And we must not allow hope to die. Even in the midst of this present tragedy, God is in control and we pray with David, “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word” (Psalm 119:114). A prayer for our nation from Dr. Kroll: "O righteous Father, we do not pretend to understand why a tragedy of this magnitude has happened, but as Christians we have both the privilege and the responsibility to pray for the friends and family of the victims and ask that you comfort them in this their darkest hour. We pray for police, firemen, and rescue workers still looking for survivors. Reward their efforts with miraculous finds. We pray for our President and his aides as they formulate a response. May it not come from anger but from righteousness and the need for a nation to protect its citizens. As the events unfold, Father, may we come to understand and to forgive those who have perpetrated this terrible human loss. And through the horrendous events of this day, may we find our way back to You, to a deeper appreciation of your sustaining grace in our deepest need. May we find our strength in You and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.” Woodrow Kroll is President and Senior Bible Teacher, Back to the Bible Nancy Leigh DeMoss Luis Palau Dr. James Dobson Ray Pritchard Cardinal Edward Egan Pope John Paul II Bishop T.D. Jakes Charles W. Colson This is a national crisis of unparalleled proportions. It is Pearl Harbor compounded; a day that will redefine infamy in the annals of American history. I grieve the massive loss of life and pray that God will comfort the families and friends of those who have been taken from us. I call on my fellow Christians, and for all Americans, to take time now to pray for those who are grieving, and for President Bush, Secretary Rumsfeld and our nation’s leaders. I have tremendous confidence in these leaders in this time of national trial and testing. Make no mistake about it. Our nation has sustained the most severe attack in nearly two centuries, and the response must be proportionate, but swift and sure. Anything less will be inadequate in light of our responsibility as the leader of the free world, and the responsibility of our government to restore order. At the same time, the purpose of terrorism is to destabilize free societies and to take away our liberties. We cannot succumb to this assault on our deepest beliefs by restricting the civil liberties that make this nation great. The soul of our nation is facing one of its darkest hours. May God help us. Charles W. Colson is founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Steve Douglass 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