Law enforcement in America is beleaguered, understaffed, tasked with herculean objectives, and harassed. A recent Walden University report states that at least 25% of law enforcement men and women have experienced suicidal ideation at least once in their lifetime.

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Intercessor, we need to pray for law enforcement.

Prayer for law enforcement who are depressed  

A recent Walden University report states that at least 25% of law enforcement men and women have experienced suicidal ideation at least once in their lifetime.

Prayer: Father, we believe Your love reaches everyone, even those in their darkest moments of self-doubt who feel they must justify their existence. You know your plans for each one and give them a hope and a future. Cause anyone struggling with depression to call on You and pray to You because You listen to us in our struggles. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

When making split-second decisions

Officers often encounter situations requiring them to make life-or-death split-second decisions. If loss of life is a result of the decision, the officer frequently loses his position in the police department at best, and at worst, he loses years of his life involved in court cases facing an unknown future.

Prayer: Father, we ask You to help law enforcement when they encounter situations where they must make split-second life-or-death decisions. Let them rely on You for their protection as they protect others. We ask the Holy Spirit to direct every decision they make. Gove them training that sharpens their skills and prepares them to make appropriate decisions. (Psalm 144:1-2)

Deliverance from Fear

On February 19, 2018, a student with a gun entered the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, and killed 17 people and injured 17 others. On May 24, 2022, a gunman entered Robinson Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 children and two adults. In both shootings, the officers on duty did not aggressively go into the schools either because of uncertainty or fear. Because of their delayed actions, many children lost their lives.

Prayer: Father, We recognize You as our deliverer. We pray that you will be a protector whenever officers come to the scene of a situation that requires aggressive action that puts them in immediate danger. You deliver them from all their fears. Let them hear Your voice saying, this is the way, walk in it. Let them be brave, accurate, respectful, and fearless in every situation as they defend the defenseless and watch over those caught in a web of evil.29       (Psalm 34:4)

Safety for law enforcement when writing citations for traffic violations, serving divorce papers, eviction notices, restraining orders, and arrest warrants for illegal firearm possession.

It is not uncommon for an officer to encounter a shooter when serving papers. April 29, 2024, four law enforcement officers were killed and four other officers wounded by a suspect opening fire in a gunfight in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred when a U.S. Marshals Task Force attempted to serve a convicted felon a warrant for firearm possession.

Prayer: Father, we pray that whenever an officer approaches an unknown situation, you give them prudence and protection from unseen dangers. You watch over them and keep them safe from all harm. (Proverbs 27:12)

Prayer against anger 

Anger can distort thoughts and trigger destructive behaviors. The high-stress nature of police work can lead to feelings of anger and frustration. About one-fifth of police officers report that their job often makes them angry and frustrated.

Prayer: Father, we pray for police who, when faced with a difficult situation, will be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith. (Titus 2:2)

Prayer for deliverance from addiction

Seventeen percent of officers reported developing some form of addiction after joining law enforcement. Of those who reported an addiction, 57 percent chose alcohol, and 80 percent never sought any professional help for their addiction.

Prayer: Father, we pray for those in law enforcement who have a problem with substance abuse. We ask for deliverance for them. We ask for people to cross their paths who will point them to You as the one who has the power to deliver them from bondage, whatever it may be: alcohol, prescription drugs, pornography, or illegal drugs. (Psalm 97:10)

Prayer for law enforcement when they worry about finances  

The average gross income for law enforcement is $58,720. Officers frequently worry about money and how to support their families. Only a few Police Departments train their officers in financial literacy. Departments that train their officers consider financial literacy to be an essential component of officer safety.

Prayer: Father, we pray for law enforcement and their families as they plan their budget. Give them unity. Guide them and help them to make wise plans so they will not succumb to financial pressure. When they worry about insufficient money, let them look to You to supply all their needs. (Philippians 4:19)

Prayer of appreciation for acts of kindness

Law enforcement personnel often give their personal resources to help people in need. It’s not unusual to hear about police departments collecting toys for needy children at Christmas, marching in city parades, visiting classrooms to talk with children, or buying a meal for someone in need. They seldom receive any recognition for their acts of kindness.

Prayer:  Father, we thank you for the many times police officers have helped those in need with their resources. You said that those who give to the poor lend to the Lord, and He will repay them. We ask for Your repayment for every kind deed done in secret. As their generosity touched the lives of those in their time of need, You richly bless those officers and their families.    (Psalm 37:26) (Proverbs 19:17)

Pray for when an officer has family issues.

Shift work often causes issues within a family. Keeping a house noise-proof while an officer who worked the night shift can sleep can create tensions. Missing the kids’ soccer games and school plays or not being home to spend time with a spouse and the children cause extra stress for family members who may feel neglected. Leaving a spouse to attend social functions alone can cause marital stress. Lack of communication between family members can happen when one is chronically tired from working extra shifts or an excessive number of part-time jobs.

Prayer: Father, we ask You to hear the heart cry of our law enforcement families that function in love and concern for each other. Let husbands love their wives, and wives honor their husbands. Let them raise their children in the love and nature of the Lord. Send people to minister to their children when their parents are not available and they need Godly input in their lives. We ask that You be the rear guard in the family of every law enforcement officer in our nation.        (Isaiah 52:12)  (Ephesians 5:25)

Prayer when tempted to do wrong

An officer of the law who commits a crime causes a blight on every law enforcement officer. Sadly, in a profession filled with temptations, it’s not uncommon for police to commit an offense. A new study shows that about 1,100 police officers, or about three per day, are charged with committing crimes every year.

Prayer: Father, we pray that no temptation to sin, no matter how it comes or where it leads, will overtake or lay hold of the hearts and minds of our law enforcement. You said that no temptation or trial has come to anyone beyond human resistance or part of our existence that they cannot bear. We ask that everyone tempted will rely on Your power to endure and Your ability to provide a landing place, the means of escape, that makes a way out of every temptation. Thank you for giving strength and endurance to bear up under being tempted. (I Corinthians 10:13 Amplified)

When facing death at the hands of people who hate law enforcement

The rise of crime, mob violence, and not-so-peaceful demonstrations continue to put our streets and, consequently, our police officers at significant risk of losing their lives while on duty. In 2022, two hundred twenty-four federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement officers died in the line of duty. In 2023, the number dropped to 136. As they gave their lives to protect our nation’s citizens. Let’s pray that God will look over and protect them.

Prayer: Father, we ask you for a revival of righteousness to flood our nation. No longer will violence be heard in our land, nor will ruin or destruction be within our borders, but we will call our walls Salvation and our gates Praise. (Isaiah 60:18)

Prayer for those grieving the death of an officer who died in the line of duty

Located near the Federal Court in the District of Columbia is the National Law Enforcement Memorial, which offers a quiet place to reflect on the deaths of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety and protection of our nation and its people. Two 340-ft-long grey limestone walls surround the memorial. Engraved on the walls are the names of more than 23,000 officers who died in the line of duty throughout U.S. History since 1786. Over a quarter of a million visitors visit the memorial each year. On May 13, visitors may attend a candlelight vigil or stay and listen as the names of those who died are called out in a solemn assembly.

Prayer: Father, in the Name of Jesus, we come asking You to comfort those who mourn the death of their dear friend and fellow officer. You bear their griefs and carry their sorrows. Help those who remain and must carry on in their duties. Let them rely on Your strength to continue to do their best to protect and serve those who need us to guard them in times of trouble. Heal our broken hearts as we go forward. (Matthew 5:4)

Prayer for law enforcement who are discouraged

Police departments nationwide are experiencing shortages of officers. A 2021 National Public Radio (NPR) article cites changes in police policy, public calls to defund the police, low morale, department scrutiny, and racial tensions as primary reasons. Police departments nationwide have experienced a 45 percent increase in their retirement rate and a 20 percent increase in resignations.

Prayer: Father, we ask You that when discouragement comes, cause Your voice of compassion that comes from the God of all comfort. As You comfort us in all our troubles, we may be able to comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Prayer to combat boredom

Much of law enforcement is simply being present, which means many hours spent in surveillance where they must sit, wait, and watch, sometimes for hours. During that time, the temptation may be to worry or entertain negative thoughts.

Prayer: Father, we thank you that during the hours of sitting and waiting required for law enforcement officers, You fill their minds with thoughts that please You.  Let them think on noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy things. May Your peace continually be in their hearts and minds. (Philippians 4:8)

Prayer for when forgiveness is needed

Is an apology by a police officer who committed an offense in order? According to legal counsel for Police Chiefs, an apology for wrongdoing can reduce the potential for litigation and liability and help maintain or restore public trust. Refusing to admit wrongdoing may cause more significant problems than the wrongdoing itself. Most agree that public officials would be better off if they admitted their transgressions, apologized, and sought forgiveness. In recognition of these principles, some law enforcement agencies have developed standard operating procedures for using apologies and expressions of regret as risk management tools.

Prayer: Father, I ask that when a law enforcement officer has offended someone and needs to ask for forgiveness, You grant the officer grace to ask for forgiveness for offenses against others. May all apologies be sincere and without pride. You said, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

Add your own prayers for law enforcement below!

Nancy Huff is an educator with a mission to equip believers to pray strategically for the Cultural Mountain of Education. She has authored Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide to Transform America’s Schools,  Safety Zone: Scriptural Prayers to Revolutionize Your School, and Decrees for Your School. She leads prayer groups to pray at key educational locations across the US. For additional information, go to: https://takingthemountainofeducation.com/author/nancyahuff/. Photo credit: Kenny Eliason on Unsplash.