I was a brand new college student when I woke up in my apartment on Monday morning, September 11, 2001. (I think it was a Monday, but I’m not even going to double-check.)

I got up, probably didn’t shower, grabbed my messenger bag, and steered my bicycle out of the enclosed front porch and into the crisp morning air. Thirty minutes later I locked my ride outside the dorm and started up three flights of stairs to the room I shared with a high school friend.

When I opened the door to the third floor it was quiet. It was early, but it wasn’t that early. My door was the fourth down on the right, and as I started walking I noticed doors standing open. First room was empty, and in the second room people were gathered around a teevee. Third room empty, my room empty, and a larger group gathered around a teevee in the room we shared a bathroom with.

I asked what was going on. Everyone turned to look at me, but nobody answered.

You remember where you were and what you were doing. Today is the day that we tell stories. This year, I’m not asking for stories, though. This year I’m going to ask you to pray.

Pray for families and survivors, of course. What I’m challenging you to do, though, is to pray for a terrorist.

Matthew 5:43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

Don’t know any terrorists? This organization has you covered.

Update: Just remembered these sweet posters that The Plow designed and made available for free download. Double-dare you.

If you’re brave enough, leave a comment with the name of the person you’re praying for today.