When sudden terror tears apart the world we thought was ours, we find how fragile strength can be, how limited our powers. Yet most of all we are aware of emptiness and void: of lives cut short, of pain and grief, 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. But neither tongue nor heart nor mind can fully comprehend what eye has seen and ear has heard as sound and vision blend. 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.