Words of comfort

Americans and people throughout the world sought comfort in their places of worship these past few weeks. Congregations and communities held special prayer vigils; pastors struggled to bring words of hope and comfort the Sundays following the Sept. 11 attack. Many reported attendance similar to Easter Sunday.

New Yorkers, normally regarded for their independence and aloofness, approached anyone wearing a clerical color. Said one pastor who commented on how unimportant his meetings looked, "It's a good time to be in ministry."

The Lutheran received many contributions — from both pastors and lay people — when it called for words of comfort. Here are some of those: sermon excerpts, prayer petitions and other messages of hope. May they also bring you comfort and hope.

You are not alone in your grief. My hope and prayer is that God will use this event to unite people, build community and help people work together. Through Christ's death and resurrection, we know how the story ultimately ends; we know that good will triumph over evil.