Prayer - for September 11 - World Day of Prayer for Peace as declared by the Knights of Columbus - written by Pope Benedict XVI

This prayer was delivered by Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Ground Zero in New York City on April 20, 2008. 

God of peace, 
bring your peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth. 
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds 
are consumed with hatred. 

God of understanding, 
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy, 
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events. 
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost
may not have lost in vain. 
 Comfort and console us, 
strengthen us in hope, 
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world 
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.