A Prayer for Law Enforcement
By Emma Danzey
Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
It is a brave decision to look out for the lives of others and to protect a community. Sacrifice is truly seen in the lives of those who choose to work in law enforcement branches and their families. Today as we pray over these men and women, may we remember that they have been given a huge responsibility that should not be taken lightly, may we pray for wisdom and for those in these authoritative positions to be led by God, and may we pray for their safety as they serve.
Let's Pray:
Dear God,
You are the perfect Protector. Thank You for modeling what it means to be a selfless leader. Today, we pray over those who choose to serve in selfless ways. Be with police officers, judges, lawyers, and those trying to create safety and peace among our communities. Father, they need Your guidance. Help them to be men and women of integrity. We know that this comes from knowing You and being led by the Holy Spirit. We pray for the salvation of those in law enforcement. We pray that they would be men and women of faith, reliability, and honesty. We ask that people who already know you will use this profession as a platform for sharing the gospel to coworkers, criminals, and everyday citizens.
We pray that they would be wise, as there are sinful people everywhere, and we have heard and seen of heartbreaking situations among law enforcement making poor decisions. Would you lead them to be upright, would you make clear to those in charge anyone who is not living up to the standard of protecting life and the rights of people? God, would you give great wisdom to the leaders and the decision-makers in hard situations? Provide understanding from heaven. We pray that they would be led by the Spirit in all times and situations. Give them great peace to lead. Open their eyes to any evil that might be coming. Reveal to them Your plans and Your ways. Show them how to be united and work as a team against the attacks of the enemy. We pray for them to be reminded that You have overcome the world. You are greater than the enemy, and they do not have to be afraid.
We pray for the safety of these men and women as they do their jobs each day. As they try their best to uphold justice and peace. Lead them when to show mercy and when to act justly. You are perfectly Just and perfectly merciful. When they ever have a question or do not know how to handle a case, give them Your truth. We pray that every believer in these fields will live out Micah 6:8, “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
We pray against future attacks from the enemy. We ask that you would give law enforcement eyes to see what is happening before it strikes. We pray for great discernment and quick thinking to know how to handle each scenario. We pray against injustices from community members and those in authority. We pray for justice. We pray for peace. We pray for safety.
We ask for You to be the families of those sacrificing their safety on behalf of others. Help the spouses and children of those serving to find great peace and rest in You each day. Strengthen their hope in You. Give them peace that transcends their understanding. Guard their hearts and minds in You. When they are tempted to worry or be afraid, remind them of Your loving hand of protection and Your good sovereignty. Help them not to be forgotten but to be encouraged and loved by others around them in their sacrifice. Show great love towards them and speak Your kindness to them daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo credit: ©SalemDesign/BethanyPyle
Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com
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Originally published Wednesday, 06 September 2023.