As we approach the 10th anniversary of September 11, here is a prayer you can use to bless those who are first-responders among your community. The text is adapted from the “Blessing of Organizations Concerned with Public Need,” from the Book of Blessings, #587.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of mercy,
who through your Son
gave us a marvelous example of charity
and the great commandment of love for one another.
Send down your blessings on these your servants,
who so generously devote themselves to helping others.
Grant them courage when they are afraid,
wisdom when they must make quick decisions,
strength when they are weary,
and compassion in all their work.
When the alarm sounds
and they are called to aid both friend and stranger,
let them faithfully serve you in their neighbor.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
– adapted from the Book of Blessings, #587, by Diana Macalintal
– photo: Firefighter’ Memorial, Emmitsburg, Maryland, by geopungo, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Posted in Prayers and Blessings on August 25, 2011 by macalintal