“Above all, be firm and steadfast, taking care to observe the entire law which my servant Moses enjoined on you. Do not swerve from it either to the right or to the left, that you may succeed wherever you go. Keep this book of the law on your lips. Recite it by day and by night, that you may observe carefully all that is written in it; then you will successfully attain your goal. I command you: be firm and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God, is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:7-9 

Lord,  

In Joshua 1:7-9, you provide encouragement to Joshua after Moses is gone to lead the Israelites with bravery. You have asked us to follow the laws you have given and bestowed upon your people. Let us always listen to you first in all we do so that we can be worthy as children of God. There are many first responders who enter unknown and possibly unsafe situations. I ask for your protection of them as they courageously put their lives and mental health in danger in order to provide safety to communities. Please bless them for all they do for their communities. You ask for us not to be dismayed, but to be brave in all we do. Continue to give first responders the courage in all they do. God you are always with us, help us to always remember this command you gave us. The devil works in fear and worry, God, banish all evilness from communities. 

I pray that the community can support police officers, first responders, medical and mental health professionals.  I ask that you build the capacity of communities to support their civil servants by providing mental health resources, and relational equity. Please keep our communities safe and/or give us the resources to make our communities safer.  

We lay down our worries, and trust that you are always with us.  

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,  

Amen 

This prayer was created by Marian Campos, United4Hope Program Manager, and the verses were chosen by a peace officer.