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Terrorist Attack Response Help

The unprecedented attack on the United States committed on September 11, 2001 has brought tremendous challenges to our country and society.  Among those challenges are the spiritual and religious challenges before us.  Here is a collection of material that may provide some guidance or help in this most difficult time.

A New Hymn

“O God, Our Words Cannot Express…”

Carolyn Gillette Hymn Being Sung In U.S., England, Indonesia

by Jerry L. Van Marter

(This article was written on September 13, 2001)

LOUISVILLE - A hymn written by the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette in response to the devastating terrorist attacks this week in New York and Washington has quickly spread throughout the world.

The hymn - "O God, Our Words Cannot Express," sung to the tune of "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" - has been published in newspapers in Philadelphia and Chicago, among others.

Gillette, co-pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Pitman, N.J., said the hymn has already been used in prayer services around the country. Friday she learned that the hymn will be sung at a service in Bristol, England, that will be broadcast by the BBC radio network. Also Friday, she granted permission to a pastor in Indonesia to use the hymn in a prayer service this weekend.

The hymn has been sent by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to its network of supporters. Though copyrighted, Gillette has given permission for free use of the hymn by worshiping communities.

O God, our words cannot express
The pain we feel this day.
Enraged, uncertain, we confess
Our need to bow and pray.

We grieve for all who lost their lives...
And for each injured one.
We pray for children, husbands, wives
Whose grief has just begun.

O Lord, we're called to offer prayer
For all our leaders, too.
May they, amid such great despair,
Be wise in all they do.

We trust your mercy and your grace;
In you we will not fear!
May peace and justice now embrace!
Be with your people here!