Ways to Pray for First Responders

It is our first Thursday in December and on the first Thursday of every month we take the day, and we thank and pray for our first responders.

They rush in when tragedy strikes—They’re called “first responders” because they are trained and equipped to react quickly and effectively in the most urgent and dangerous situations. Whether tragedy strikes near us or not, we can play a valuable part by holding up first responders in prayer.

Today I have several different prayers that can be prayed and so today is just for that…. ways to pray for our First Responders.

Psalm 71:7 says, My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.

God is our strength and protection and David here in this Psalm says that because of that He can’t stop praising the Lord and declaring His glory all day long.

To know that we are protected by God daily is humbling.

To know that God has provided others with the want to protect us is also humbling.

*Thank God for those who bravely risk their lives for others and pray for their safety as they do their jobs.

We can thank God for these courageous men and women who have chosen such difficult and dangerous jobs—police, fire, EMTs and others. We are thankful their

Sacrifices, service, hard work in training and preparing. Pray that they feel the support and the respect and gratitude of their communities. Pray for safety in every situation. In Psalm 91:11it says, For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.

In Psalm 91:14-16 it also says, The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.”

*Pray for the training and preparation they undergo and then also pray for them to be wise in the discharge of their duties. 

When thinking and praying think about the rigors of training and the demands of waiting and preparation first responders go through. Pray that they are able to sustain and have strength to make it through. In Psalm 121:8 it says, The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

Pray that they stay sharp as they train and prepare and give them supernatural calm and recall when they must apply their training.  God’s word says that anyone who lacks wisdom should ask You, and You will provide it. Pray for discernment on behalf of first responders, who frequently face complex situations and must make snap decisions. 

*Pray against panic and fatigue and pray for the emotional protection and recovery of first responders. 

Pray against these things as they are very strong. In Joshus 1:9 God said, This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

In Hebrew 12:12 it says, So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Pray that they focus their minds and hearts against panic and fatigue. Our first responders ride an emotional roller coaster and even when their efforts are successful, the things they see and do take a heavy toll emotionally. Pray that their hearts and minds are guarded. Also pray that God restores their mental and emotional resources when they have been depleted. In Galatians 6:9 it says, So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don’t give up.   

*Pray for the family and loved ones of first responders. 

Lord, have mercy on those who must wait, trust, and hope every time a first responder goes into action. They are all too aware of the dangers their loved one’s face. Please, as Your word promises, keep them in perfect peace; steady their minds and help them to trust in You like it says in Isaiah 26:3, in Jesus’ name, amen.