This is an audio excerpt from the September 11, 2026 social media broadcast of encouragement and prayer by Impact Prayer Ministry’s director, Tom Lemler.  In this portion of the broadcast, Tom introduces and reads an original poem written by him in 2018 in remembrance of the events of 9/11/01.

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A Usual Day

We woke up that morning in the usual way.

With usual plans for our usual day.

Our minds were quite filled with the usual things.

As we were prepared for what a usual day brings.

For some, change was instant with life gone in a flash.

Yet others were changed as toward the rubble they dashed.

Some called their loved ones, as they would soon die.

Others were gone with no chance for good-bye.

Some ran away, but there was no place to hide.

Some ran toward trouble to help those inside.

Some rushed the men who intended such harm.

And found their life over on a Pennsylvania farm.

And through all the horror on an unusual day.

The nation did mourn and gathered to pray.

We prayed for each other, we prayed for those lost.

We prayed for the families who paid the great cost.

Yet time has a way of changing our view.

When the heartache and loss are no longer new.

The prayers that we prayed on those nights long ago.

Are no longer intense for those we don’t know.

And slowly, but surely, I think we’ve arrived.

To a usual day with our usual drive.

And our usual mindset that looks far ahead.

With no thought of preparing for when we are dead.

So, I ask for a moment on this usual day.

Please stop and remember, and take time to pray.

Pray for the families of those who were lost.

Pray for the helpers who still pay the cost.

Pray for your own life and ask God today.

If you were to meet Him, just what would He say.

Pray for your neighbor, wherever they may be.

And live with compassion so that Jesus they see!

© 2018 by Tom Lemler

You can find the live video feeds of previous encouragement and prayer times on Impact Prayer Ministry’s Facebook page or subscribe to the audio from the Tom’s Treasure podcast channel.

In prayer,
Tom