One of them was Fr Mychal Judge, a Franciscan friar and FDNY chaplain. He was killed in the lobby of the North Tower while praying for the injured and the rescuers. His body was carried out by firefighters and a police officer, and he was recorded as the first official victim of the attacks. A short prayer he often said has become one of the most loved prayers from that day.
Historical Context
Two days after the attacks, a construction worker found two crossed steel beams standing in the rubble. The Ground Zero Cross became a place of prayer for rescue workers, and it now stands in the National September 11 Memorial Museum.
A Never Forget 9/11 Prayer
Lord, we remember.
We remember the people who went to work that morning and never came home,
the passengers who fought back,
and the firefighters, police officers and medics who ran toward danger.
Give them eternal rest.
Comfort the families who still grieve,
heal the responders who still suffer,
and turn our hearts away from hatred and toward peace.
Amen.
Fr Mychal Judge’s Prayer
Lord, take me where you want me to go,
let me meet who you want me to meet,
tell me what you want me to say,
and keep me out of your way.
For First Responders
Lord, bless every first responder who still answers the call.
Protect them, and heal those made sick by the work at Ground Zero.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 11 September, especially at 8:46am, when the first plane struck.
- At a firehouse or memorial service.
- When teaching young people about that day.
Scripture Connection
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Many of those who died on 9/11 died trying to save strangers. Jesus called that the greatest love.
Related prayers
For first responders, see the Fire Force Prayer, Police Officer Prayer and Paramedics Prayer. For September, the September 13 Prayer.