We are still reeling from shock. Despite our sophisticated technology, the activities of the FBI, CIA and other agencies, our nation has been terribly wounded. Even those of us not directly affected by the horrible, unimaginable slaughter in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon are stunned.

We open our doors to people of all races and religions. We let them enjoy our precious freedoms. Some have taken advantage of us and delivered a diabolical blow. Why did God let this happen to us? Others have inflicted a hideous evil upon us. But we must not focus only on the evils of others.

God has given us the Ten Commandments - rules to live by. But surveys show that seven out of 10 Americans believe there is no absolute standard of right and wrong. They say each person can make up his/her own rules.

The Bible opens with the words: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God is the Creator. But you can’t say that in public schools. We have allowed "God" to be the forbidden word in the public schools we support.

The Boy Scouts are one of the finest, character-building institutions in our land. Yet right now the Boy Scouts are fighting for their very survival. They are under severe attack because of their stand on traditional moral values and especially their refusal to allow known homosexuals in the organization. Fifty chapters of the United Way have dropped their support for the Boy Scouts. Many of America’s largest corporation are also withdrawing their support.

For these and other reasons we must pray: "God, forgive us. Help us resist the forces of evil in our midst that threaten to destroy our moral foundations."

Further, let us keep praying for our president, his advisors, our congressional and military leaders. The United States will seek to punish the evildoers. Let us pray that God will give wisdom to our leaders and protect those who will carry out the decisions our leaders make.

Rev. Herbert Kern

Assisting Minister

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Amityville.