Today's inspiration comes from:
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Today's inspiration comes from:
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Editor’s note: On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we are grateful to welcome Pastor Lucado back to our community with a prayer that he wrote in the aftermath of this tragic day in our nation's history. Today, please join us in praying for our nation.
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A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit our nation's capital. I was there for a special event at the Museum of the Bible to talk about my new book and Bible study on the life of Elijah, Unbreakable Courage: Strong Faith in an Age of Anxiety, Chaos, and Exhaustion.
Today, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I can't help but think this world feels more chaotic than ever. What was one of the worst days in our nation's history seemed to be the first domino in a cascade of chaos that has unfolded across our nation and our world over the past quarter century.
But, as Christ followers, we don't have to despair. No matter how overwhelming this world can be, we can trust in the same God Elijah trusted. Elijah experienced fear, burnout, uncertainty...and incredible faith! With God's help, you can face uncertain times with unbreakable courage.
I wrote the following prayer in the aftermath of 9/11. It seems appropriate to share it once again.
Dear Lord,
We’re still hoping we’ll wake up. We’re still hoping we’ll open a sleepy eye and think, What a horrible dream.
But we won’t, will we, Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and, dear Father, we are sad.
There is a ballet dancer who will no longer dance and a doctor who will no longer heal. A church has lost her priest, a classroom is minus a teacher. Cora ran a food pantry. Paige was a counselor and Dana, dearest Father, Dana was only three years old. (Who held her in those final moments?)
We are sad, Father. For as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn’t.
And so we come to you. We don’t ask you for help; we beg you for it. We don’t request it; we implore it. We know what you can do. We’ve read the accounts. We’ve pondered the stories and now we plead, Do it again, Lord. Do it again.
Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord.
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Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected their children from the angel of death. We have children, too, Lord. Do it again.
And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord. Do it again.
You changed Daniel from a captive into a king’s counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies. Do it again, Lord, for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. We need leaders. Do it again, dear Lord.
Most of all, do again what you did at Calvary. What we saw here on that Tuesday, you saw there on that Friday. Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Mothers weeping. Evil dancing. Just as the ash fell on our children, the darkness fell on your Son. Just as our towers were shattered, the very Tower of Eternity was pierced.
And by dusk, heaven’s sweetest song was silent, buried behind a rock.
But you did not waver, 0 Lord. You did not waver. After three days in a dark hole, you rolled the rock and rumbled the earth and turned the darkest Friday into the brightest Sunday. Do it again, Lord. Grant us a September Easter.
We thank you, dear Father, for these hours of unity. Disaster has done what discussion could not. Doctrinal fences have fallen. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity.
And we thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you. And he has no idea what you can do.
Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy upon the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe.
And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you’ve used her to heal a hurting world.
Do IT again, Lord. Do it again.
Through Christ, Amen.
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Originally written by Max Lucado for America Prays, a national prayer vigil held Saturday, September 15, 2001 and posted on maxlucado.com. Permission to copy is granted and encouraged.
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You’re invited to the FREE online Bible study this fall 2026!
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If you've ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or ready to give up, this is the Bible study for you!
In Max Lucado's newest book & Bible study, Unbreakable Courage, we'll discover how God replaces fear with faith, steadies anxious hearts, and gives us the courage to face whatever comes next.
Join the Online Bible Study and get FREE access to all 6 teaching videos with Max, plus bonus resources and a vibrant online community to support you along the way!
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Let’s pray for all those still scarred by the effects of 9/11 and for the leaders of our nation to lead us with wisdom from the Lord. ~ Devotionals Daily
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UNBREAKBLE COURAGE STUDY GUIDE
with lifetime streaming access to all 6 videos!
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+Free shipping on orders $35+
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Your perfect companion for the OBS! The study guide includes group discussion questions and personal Bible study between sessions for reflection and application. You’ll also receive an individual access code to stream all 6 video sessions online (you don't need to buy a DVD!).
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