These tragic events underscore the fragile peace we take so for granted, and remind us that beneath the façade of order, our world can be a very dangerous place.

While it is apparent that terrorists made this attack upon the United States, we need to remember that the population of our nation is very diverse, and in the heat of the moment, we should resist the temptation to prejudge individuals simply because of their nationality, or to presume the guilt of innocent persons.

Southern Baptists from local churches, associations, and state conventions continue to pour themselves out in service to the injured and broken people who were the direct victims of these attacks.

The North American Mission Board continues leading a full-scale mobilization of Southern Baptist Convention ministry resources. Disaster relief units from across the country continue ministering through encouraging words and by serving more than 300,000 meals and counting.

Another resource, a spiritual one, is available to all of us, and that resource is prayer. We call upon our Southern Baptist family everywhere to pray; to go upon our knees for the families of the victims of these attacks, for our nation's leaders, and for our beloved country, that God will turn the hearts of our nation back to Him.

"God's Word says in Proverbs 19:21, 'There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.'" God bless America -- our hope forever rests in Him."