A Reading to Remember 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina based on Psalm 46

Jeff Carter
Pastor
Faith United Methodist Church
Bowling Green, KY 

Reader 1:

On September 11, 2001  planes came crashing into the twin towers of the World Trade Center bringing death, fear, and despair. But that day also brought forth courageous heroes, national resolve, and a longing to reconnect to the bedrock of our faith, because it is moments like that where we discover... 

Reader 2:

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble. 

Reader 1:

On August 29, our nation was once again hit by a devastating force, but this time not from terrorists, but from a once in a lifetime, innocent sounding Hurricane named Katrina. But nonetheless it too brought death, fear, and despair.  But once again we affirmed the central role of our faith and today we recall the words of the psalmist...  

Readers 3:

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. 

Reader 1:

Even though we face national and personal tragedies we shall not be shaken for it is our God who...

Reader 2:

Makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
Breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
Burns the chariots with fire.  

Reader 1: The Lord says, 

Reader 2:

"Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

Readers 1,2, 3 (in unison)
The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our stronghold.