Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Psalm 82:3-4 HCSB
REFLECT
Over the last 24 years, I have grown up learning about the terrorist attack on 9/11 as a historical event: one of the greatest tragedies of our modern era.
As we unite in prayer for the workplace in September, this somber day is a reminder to pray for people who put their lives on the line and face the effects of pain and trauma each day they go into their workplace.
We pray for law enforcement officers who run into danger and respond after crimes have been committed, pursuing justice for victims.
We pray for firefighters who ran into burning buildings to save lives and fight fires to save livelihoods.
We pray for social workers who respond to children suffering from abuse, neglect, and trauma, medical professionals who staff emergency rooms and hospitals, ready to provide life-saving care at a moment’s notice, and mental health professionals who wade into pain and even mental anguish, offering compassion, care, and support to the most vulnerable in our nation.
Each person in these professions, and many others, is each uniquely called and equipped by God to take on these vocational callings, standing on the front lines of life and death, pain and suffering, and even seeing great evil face to face, every day.
We never know when it might be our time to rely on these public servants. A medical emergency, a break-in, or a house fire can affect anyone at any time, but we trust that medical staff, police, and firefighters will be ready at a moment's notice to run in at our most vulnerable moment, and be the hands and feet of Jesus in bringing forth His healing, justice, and courage.
Their service and sacrifices underpin the wellbeing of our society – how we choose to treat the most vulnerable among us reveals our priorities and thus demonstrates our obedience to God.
When Jesus walked the earth, He brought spiritual and physical healing. He didn’t trample the already downtrodden; He gave them hope and revealed His Kingdom to them through His teaching and ministry.
Let us pray for our first responders.
Lord, on this day of solemn remembrance, I thank You for the provision and strength that You poured out on our nation 24 years ago in the aftermath of the attacks on 9/11/01.
I continue to lift up the many first responders in our nation – the people You have called and equipped to run into fires, run toward danger, and run to the harmed and hurting through their vocations and daily jobs. It is truly You who has filled them with the knowledge of Your creation, knowing that You are the source of all healing and wellness. We pray that these first responders would be covered by Your hand of protection and filled with godly justice, righteousness, mercy, and strength. When the heavy demands of their jobs are weighing on them, we ask that You would renew their minds and protect their hearts. I praise You, my Heavenly Father, my source and my strength! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
