This hymn was written by Carl P. Daw, Jr. in memory of the terrible tragedy of September 11, 2001. It is intended to be sung to the tune of Hymn 164 in the Episcopal Church Hymnal. On September 23, 2001, the Episcopal Church of Middleham And St Peters in southern Maryland sang it to the tune of Hymn 615. It also goes very well to the tune of Hymn 603.
WHEN SUDDEN TERROR TEARS APART
When sudden terror tears apart
The world we thought was ours,
We find how fragile strength can be,
How limited our powers.
As tower and fortress fall, we watch
With disbelieving stare
And numbly hear the anguished cries
that pierce the ash-filled air.
Yet most of all we are aware
Of emptiness and void:
Of lives cut short, of structures razed,
Of confidence destroyed.
From this abyss of doubt and fear
We grope for words to pray,
And hear our stammering tongues embrace
A timeless Kyrie.
Have mercy, Lord, give strength and peace,
And make our courage great;
Restrain our urge to seek revenge,
To turn our hurt to hate.
Help us to know your steadfast love,
Your presence near as breath;
Rekindle in our hearts the hope
Of life that conquers death.
If you would like copies of this hymn for your church, civic group, or whatever, please write to Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream IL, 60188.