The holidays can really be a difficult time for so many first responders. While it is a joyous time of year for so many other people, law enforcement are unfortunately seeing the sad and bad sides of people.
When they come home after a long shift, of course we want them to make holiday memories with us and participate in holiday events, especially if we have little ones.
As a law enforcement family, it can be easy to forget that our officers still need that time to decompress. They may be struggling on the inside but not wanting to share in order to keep the joy of Christmas alive. And while our officers always need our prayers, the holiday season is the time they need it most.
Supporting your officer through prayer can help get him/her through this difficult season and bring him/her closer to God.
Here are some ways you can pray for your officer this Christmas:
Pray that your officer can still see the good in people even though they may see more bad this holiday season.
Sometimes its very easy for our officers to always see the bad side considering what they see daily. Ask that your officer be reminded of the fact that good people still exist. Pray that your officer have the eyes to see good instead of the bad.
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ – Acts 20:35
Pray that your officer knows he/she has a servant heart and he/she has been asked to help the weak but it should not become a burden.
Pray that your officer is often reminded of the reason for the season.
Give your officer time to relax and decompress after shift then ease them into holiday plans. Allow them grace and time after work to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:11
Pray that your officer is relieved of holiday stress and able to make meaningful memories as a family.
Encourage rest for your officer. Support rest, relaxation and have an understanding that you don’t have to do all.the.things. this Christmas. Focus on being together, the time you have and making the most of that time.
Don’t cram in overtime even though those larger paychecks can give you financial relief. Use moderation and remember that time together matters most.
...Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28-29
Read: Encouraging Prayers for Law Enforcement Couples
And of course, we always pray that our officers come home safely to us each and every day.
If you need a great devo this holiday season or any time of the year, check out Ammo + Grace’s new devo off Amazon.
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