"They are working twelve hour days for the 12th day straight. They are tired, stressed and overwhelmed. Our families are crying and scared. They need support from the community. These are good guys." This was one response after I wrote a letter to some police officers that I knew were hurting, weary and burdened, as well as their families. After hearing back from two wives I knew I had to ask for prayers. These families are frightened for their spouse, parent, child, grandchild, sibling, relative, friend, as they serve our community. There are so many good police officers and they need our encouragement. I feel prayer is the answer for ALL involved, including ourselves.
For those who serve and protect, I want you to know that you are all in my prayers during this time of unrest. Let’s thank God and ask Him to help you be the best you can be. The Bible says in Ephesians 4: 1, ““Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” He tells us again in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” We are also told to get away from our pressures which is not always easy. Jesus told His disciples in Mark 6: 31, “Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’” Even Jesus needed rest. Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” I hope you and your family will follow 1 Peter 5: 7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Philippians 4: 6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
During a time like this not only do we need to pray for physical safety but also we need to ask God to guard our hearts and direct our paths. Proverbs 4: 23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” You are not alone! Deuteronomy 31: 6, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” You cannot go outside of His Presence.
Let us pray:
Father God we love you and adore you. We cannot imagine this life without you! We pray for those who serve and protect and their families and ask that they know You are with them as they face challenges and demands of their job. We ask that You be with all the people who are hurting. We ask that You meet every need these officers have in their work. Please provide them with safety and protection.
When their work feels overwhelming, we ask that you bring peace and clarity of mind. Let Your strength flow through them, giving the endurance they need to carry on. Give them encouragement and let their work represent You. Give them joy in times of sorrow. Give them hope in times of despair. Protect them from temptation and deliver them from evil. Bless and protect them Lord and use their work for the good of our nation and Your glory. Give them the grace they need for everything they face today.
God, we come together to pray for you to bring healing, peace and order to a chaotic world. May we all know our identity as children created in your image. We look forward to a day with no injustice and no oppression when You reign forever. We thank You that there will be no pandemics, injustice, racism, chaos or violence in Heaven! We join with all creation in adoration of Your precious name. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Feel free to share this blog.
Comments