A Call to Prayer ...from many religious leaders Please click the blue triangle to reach what each had to say. Billy Graham Sheila Walsh Craig Parshall We grieve deeply for those who have lost loved ones in what appears to be a senseless, vicious act of terrorism against our nation. We are confident that President Bush and our national leaders will act swiftly to protect our borders, and bring those responsible for this cowardly act to justice. But we must also remember that God is still very much in control. We look to the Word of God for answers: Some boast of chariots, and some of horses; but we boast of the name of the Lord our God. They will collapse and fall; but we shall rise and stand upright. Give victory to the king, O Lord; answer us when we call. Psalm 20: 7-9 Craig Parshall is a trial lawyer in Virginia who specializes in cases involving religious and civil liberties and pro-family issues. Janet Parshall Rabbi Scott Sekulow Franklin Graham This is a time for all Americans to pray for the thousands of victims, their families, and loved ones that have been affected by the tragic events of today. These atrocities remind us how precious life is and how important it is to be spiritually ready to stand before and give account to Almighty God. My prayer is that the people of this nation will turn their eyes and hearts to the Lord and seek His wisdom and protection. May all Americans pray for our president and government leaders that God would guide and direct them as they lead our nation during these dark hours. Franklin Graham is president of Samaritan's Purse and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association 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 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