Praying for Australian Police

How to Pray for the Police :

UNITED KINGDOM : May 20, 2004 : The Leicestershire Branch of the Christian Police Association prayed the following points at their National Day of Prayer for the Police Service :

• FOR PARLIAMENT : That they might resist the temptation to legalise sin. That they may pass laws that are right and not just political
  

• FOR SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS : That God may guide them as they liaise with politicians and community leaders. That they might have concern for officers of all ranks.
  

• FOR OFFICERS ON PATROL AND SUPPORT STAFF : That they might build confidence with the public. That they might have wisdom in all situations.
  

• FOR OFFICERS MAKING ON THE SPOT DECISIONS : Especially when making a wrong decision might lead to the escalation of a difficult situation. For those engaged in public order or other potentially violent situations.
  

• FOR THOSE SUFFERING STRESS : After dealing with sudden death, accidents or the victims of violent crime. When dealing with major disasters or the death of a child or young person.
  

• FOR INTEGRITY TO RESIST CORRUPTION : Through contact with those of a criminal disposition. Through temptation when in a position of trust.
  

• FOR THE ABILITY TO RELAX WHILST OFF DUTY : Officers are human beings and need to rest. For others to recognise that officers have a life to lead outside the Police Service.
  
  

• FOR THE FAMILIES OF POLICE OFFICERS : That they might know peace when their loved ones are on duty. That they might have understanding when those they love are under stress.

Good Government is conditional upon the Church ...

The following is excerpted from the transcript of a message drawn from 1 Timothy 2:1-4 deliv­ered in London by Derek Prince in 1974. A se­ries from the complete message, foundational to the mission of Intercessors for America, appeared in the very first LEA newsletters. As our nation faces another pivotal round of elections this year, it seems very appropriate to reprint this challenge.

Bear in mind that the Epistle of Timothy was written specifically to tell Timothy how to conduct the affairs of the local congregation. This is stated in 1 Timothy 3:14‑15: "These things I write to you ... that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth, "

The basic thrust of 1 Timothy is how to conduct the affairs of a local congregation. Beginning with Chapter 2 Paul states the first responsibility and ministry of a local church:

“I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, interces­sions and giving of thanks be made for all men.. for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who de­sires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. " (1 Tim 2:14)

Let's just take those verses and see in simple language what they mean. In verse 1 Paul says that first of all the primary responsibility of Christians meeting together in public worship is intercessions, prayers, giving of thanks, etc.

In one word, prayer is the primary ministry and primary obligation of Christians meeting in fellowship.

In ancient times, the city gate was the busiest place in the city. Near or just inside the gates, there were courtyards or a broadening of the street where much of the city''s social, business and legal interaction took place. There is where we find the reading of the Law and proclamations taking place (Josh. 20:4; II Chr. 32:6; Neh. 8:1,3); where justice was administered as the elders judged legal cases and business transactions (Dt. 16:18; II Sam. 15:2, Amos 5:10-15); where news was exchanged and discussed (Gen. 19:1), and local gossip was spread (Ps. 69:12). It was a place where markets flourished, e.g. the Fish Gate (Neh. 3:3) or the Sheep Gate (Neh. 3:1) in Jerusalem, and where trading centers for imported items were established.

Prophets and priests delivered admonitions and pronouncements at the gates (Isa. 29:21; Amos 5:10: Jer. 17:19, etc.). Criminals were punished just outside the gates (I Kgs. 21:10, Acts 7:58). The city gate was even the place where one could attract the attention of the sovereign or dignitary (II Sam. 19:8; I Kgs. 22:10; Est. 2:19,21; 3:2). It was where strangers who were visiting the city passed the night, if they had no place to stay.

To be chosen as an elder to sit at the gate of the city was an honorable position (Prov. 31:23; Dan 2:49), although it became a curse for Lot, who chose to be an elder at the gate of Sodom where he compromised his stand for the Lord (Gen. 19:1).

Pastors and Leaders on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast gathered this week to honour the Police in their North Coast region at the Coast’s 5th Police Appreciation morning.  Seventy plus leaders from thirty-nine different denominations and organisations were joined by representatives from a number of local Christian schools.

Renowned Clinical Psychologist, Dr Robi Sonderegger was guest speaker for the morning.   He has seen great success in recent years, developing and validating evidence-based early intervention and effective treatment programs for behavioural and emotional disorders.  

Dr Robi is also known, internationally, as an expert consultant in trauma associated with war, exploitation, and natural disaster (with tens of thousands of refugees around the world having graduated from his programs)

Dr. Robi highlighted the various stereotypical images we can have of the police.  Some imagine them waiting around corners ready to catch someone speeding or using their mobile phone, whilst others suppose they are superhuman machines ... faster than a speeding train ... invincible!    Too often we  miss the fact that our police are mere mortals; that they are not built to withstand all the abuse and anger that society cares to throw at them.  They feel pain and are as vulnerable as any of us.

He spoke of their daily decision, their daily choice, to head off to work each day not knowing what might face them.  Danger and tragedy are regular elements of their work and there is always the chance that they may not return to their families.  

Over the years, Dr. Robi has worked with officers in a professional capacity and is acquainted with the traumatic dilemmas of ‘the job’.  He also explained that he has discovered ‘Love’ to be the underlying motivation for their decision to choose a career in the police. A love for people, a love for peace;  as well as  a love for community.  It is also the motivating force behind their continued decision to step into each day.

August 2009

Yesterday it was my (and Jan's) pleasure to address a group of police officers, police chaplains and office staff at Police Headquarters in Brisbane. (We have previously spoken at Police appreciation days on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts).

I was able to share on how our society operates by honour - no honour = no power! Romans 13:1-2 says; "Let every man submit himself to the governing authorities for all authority comes from God. Hence anyone who resists authority is a rebel against the ordinance of God, and they that resist will will bring judgment upon themselves."   Verse 4 adds.
"The officer is God's servant appointed for your good." (Phillips translation).

With such a huge melt down in honour and respect in our nation I believe there are something's, the Church and Christians can do to make a difference.

* One thing we can do is to pray for our police officers protection.

* The second thing we can do is teach our young to respect the law and our police force.

My son (and daughter-in-law) are both police officers, plus we had a number in our church in Darwin and so I know the lack of respect shown to these men and women who lay their lives on the line for us. If you don't like living with the police -try living with out them for a while! The thin blue line that stands between us and total anarchy!

I remember what it was like in Darwin after Cyclone Tracy, no law and order for the first 5 or 6 days, looting, breaking into shops etc, it was am terrifying time.

NOTE: Col also spoke at a Police Appreciation Day on the Sunshine Coast in December 2006