The trial of 9/11 mastermind, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, is set to begin shortly in New York City. Clergy and local residents to hold a prayer vigil at the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Thursday, January 7. The prayer vigil will begin at 12:00 noon. The location of the court is 500 Pearl Street in lower Manhattan. The vigil will begin at the Worth Street entrance.

The prayer vigil is a reminder that our protection as a nation does not come from our great military or economic strength but from the hand of God. As the recent attempted Christmas bombing shows, God alone can still preserve, protect and watch over America. In humility and repentance, our nation and her leaders must turn back to God.

Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition and one of the organizers of the prayer vigil, states, “The upcoming trial of 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and his co-conspirators have created fear and controversy across the nation. In times of great challenge and concern Americans have always turned toward God in prayer and humility asking for His protection and blessing.

“We are embracing that great tradition as we gather at the United States District Courthouse for a time of prayer, reflection and humbling of ourselves.

“The power of faith and prayer is that it transcends political divides and controversy and embraces the heart of God.

“We will be praying for God’s protection over all those who are involved with this trial. That includes the judge, attorneys, jury, law enforcement officials and administrative staff. We will especially be praying that there will be no acts of violence or terror in New York City.

“We will be asking God to comfort all those who lost friends and loved ones in the 9/11 terror attack and heal any wounds that this trial might cause.

“We will also be asking for God’s mercy over Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other defendants. We pray that they will turn from their violent and hateful ways and embrace the Lord of the universe who gave His life for them so they may receive forgiveness and healing.

“Finally, we will be praying that justice may be served and this trial is not used as a platform to spew out hate and violence worldwide.”

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