Obama At The Interfaith Service Pledges Boston "Will Finish The Race"

Obama addressed more than 2,000 people, including many who witnessed the bombings, and millions more watching from work and home, He spoke with affection about his ties to Boston during an emotional interfaith service. Invoking the grit of marathoners, he told a rattled city that, in the aftermath of the attack, commitment to a free and open society would triumph over fear.

“That’s what you’ve taught us, Boston,” Obama said. “That’s what you’ve reminded us — to push on. To persevere. To not grow weary. To not get faint. Even when it hurts. Even when our heart aches. We summon the strength that maybe we didn’t even know we had, and we carry on. We finish the race.”

Obama remarked: "And so we come together to pray and mourn and measure our loss. But we also come together today to reclaim that state of grace. To reaffirm that the spirit of this city is undaunted and the spirit of the country shall remain undimmed."

"The grace this tragedy exposed is the best of who we are," he added.

In addition to the theme of grace, the president also highlighted the theme of endurance and quoted Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) in his remarks. "Scripture tells us to run with endurance, the race that is set before us," he stated.

"To the injured, we will all be with you as you learn to stand, walk, and run again, yes, run again, for that I have no doubt you will run again," Obama said to a standing ovation.

"We will finish the race."

The president also quoted 2 Timothy 1:7, saying: "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but one of power, love and self-discipline, and that's the spirit you have displayed in recent days."

The president sought to convey a tone of unity, saying that all Americans claim Boston as their town.

Bethel lets pray for all the victims of the attack that God should give them peace.

Source: bostonglobe