How to pray for law enforcement daily

This is a guest post by the author of Bulletproof Marriage, Adam Davis.

These are the days the sheepdog was born to thrive in. But, ladies and gentlemen, these are times for every American to rise up and shine with the goodness and resiliency that define the core of who we are! While we are being challenged in many ways and should be praying for our leaders, those suffering and sick, and our own families, we should not neglect the proper method of prayer. 

For many years, I fired “birdshot” prayers. But friends, if you want to activate the open heavens, our prayers must be laser-focused, targeted, and specific. 

Yes, God is big enough to handle our prayers in any format, but I am speaking directly to prayers that move heaven. And right now, we need the heavens to move on our behalf. 

I remember walking the aisle at Barnes & Noble a few years back in a nearby city when I encountered a man who was looking for a Christian devotional. As a shameless author, I suggested Behind the Badge: 365 Daily Devotions for Law Enforcement. The man’s demeanor changed immediately. He told me how much he hated “cops” and listed a number of reasons why. Knowing he was on a path to grow closer to Christ since he was seeking a devotional, I suggested my book, held it up, and said, “Friend, what a great way to be reminded to pray for those you hate, and maybe, in the process, discover the root of that hatred, and find healing and freedom from it.” He had tears rolling down his face uncontrollably. When we walk in love, even as a shameless author, we find opportunities to encounter those who are in dire need of that love expressed, and it can change the world.

We live in a world where we need a real, powerful encounter with the presence of God, right now. There’s no better way to experience that, than through prayer. 

RELATED: ENCOURAGING PRAYERS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT COUPLES

On that note, I wanted to provide you with a few specific ways to pray for law enforcement officers, whether you love em, or hate em:

Pray specifically for their mind:

The mind is often the primary battleground for the enemy. If we’re not careful, it can become a place he gains a foothold and it is a requirement that we constantly take captive any thought that does not align with God’s word. What does His word say? Do our thoughts match that? The minds of our officers are under constant attack. Pray specifically that the lies of hell would be silenced, that anxiety would be crushed by the peace of God, that depression would have no place, and their thoughts would align with the truth and promise of God’s word. 

Pray specifically for their bodies:

Our bodies deteriorate with age, a natural progression of life. However, stress, injury, bad nutrition, and disease can expedite this process. Pray for them to make wise decisions with their bodies, with nutrition, exercise, for proper channels of addressing stress, and healing for any injuries. Pray for law enforcement, specifically for their hearts, for their joints, and against any ambush of the enemy against them. 

Pray specifically for their emotions:

Our emotions can be a wreck at times, especially during times of crisis. This is not uncommon. If you read through the book of Psalms, you will see the Psalmist David was, at times, an emotional wreck. Yes, he was a shepherd, king, and mighty warrior. Our law enforcement officers are not immune to these issues either. Pray for stability of emotions during times of crisis, that they remember their training, remain in control of their emotions, and most importantly, rely on the Holy Spirit for the healing they need in their emotions. 

Pray specifically for their shift: 

It may be “just another day,” but it does not negate the dire need for warriors to contend on their behalf. Robert J. Baur, JD, and fellow brother, once said, “A man’s soul is worth fighting for.” I agree. Pray for the shift of your officers. Pray for their calls, for those they serve with, and they would be on assignment from God wherever they respond. 

Pray specifically for their future:

Jeremiah 29:11 is probably one of the most well-known verses in the bible: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (NIV.) Notice the keywords: “For I know,” God knows, and what we worry about, what we become anxious about, he knows all about. Pray that your law enforcement officers will not only remember this verse but rest in it. Pray their identity is founded in and kept in their relationship with Jesus. 

Jesus gave us the way to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. I mean, he literally started off by saying, “This, then, is how you should pray,” (NIV.) First, acknowledge God as father, this is hard for some to do because their relationship with their earthly father has been strained. But I assure you, God is good, and he is loving. Second, recognize his name as holy. Third, pray for the reality of heaven to become the reality on earth, and that his will be done above our own will. Pray for the needs of now, then forgiveness for ourselves, and forgive others. It is imperative to pray against temptation, and for deliverance from evil. 

I do not pray the same words every time. Your prayers do not have to be complex or full of big words. I am no theologian, nor am I an expert, but I can assure you of this; He is faithful. When we remain (abide) in Him, and he in us, and we pray to Him, he will respond. My challenge to you: Pray for law enforcement daily. Pray when you are prompted, and pray together with your family.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Adam Davis is a law enforcement officer, author of five books, and an overcomer. His story is one that reveals pain many hide, and addresses the topics many avoid. Adam shares his experiences of sexual assault, substance abuse, mental illness, and law enforcement. Adam is known for his work on Behind the Badge: 365 Daily Devotions for Law Enforcement, Bulletproof Marriage: a 90-Day Devotional (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman) and On Spiritual Combat: 30 Missions for Victorious Warfare (with Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.)