Pray for Manassas Police Officers

   “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...” Romans 13: 1-6.

The importance of prayer is much greater than most of us realize.  If we can find a way to include prayer in our daily activities, we will gradually notice our entire lifestyle transitioning into a force which spreads God’s light.  I am sure that there are many people within Manassas City that pray for the police department.  The intent of this letter is to encourage many more to join this body of believers.

Without the Manassas Police Officers and support personnel working in their communities, we would not appreciate the safe and secure lifestyles that we now enjoy.  The thin blue line establishes a barrier between light and darkness, good and evil, setting boundaries that hold back crime and ensure our comfort and community safety.

We are convinced that the Lord wants to share His strategies and plans with His people and that we must position ourselves to hear His voice and be ready to pray or act as He leads.

The Bible very clearly calls us to pray for those in authority:  "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:1-2). 

The Bible has much to say about Civil Governance (governing authorities including law enforcement). Law Enforcement is unique among service providers in that police officers are a governing authority. 

The Manassas Police Department provides a service; however, the police also have a mandate under legislation to enforce the laws that govern the city.  In Romans 13: 1-6, support of this position is conveyed:   “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established...”

Civil governance may be considered a ministry and therefore should be upheld according to the principles cited by Paul in I Timothy, Chapter 2.  In Romans it is declared the rules (authorities) are not a weapon against good works, but to evil. Officers have a specific mandate under God to confront and punish evil.  Without that line of defense, lawlessness and violence would abound.

The word of God helps to put the world of law enforcement into perspective.  The citizen’s use of scriptures, devotionals and prayers will protect those in law enforcement whose faith may be challenged due to the unpredictable and dangerous environment that they may experience on a daily basis.  The police officer must be one who administers the hand of justice here on Earth on God's behalf.

God takes particular interest in law enforcement to ensure they are ruling and discharging their duties justly: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1).  God reserves the right to intervene where necessary.

This is where our prayers take action. God uses the body of Christ to uphold the governing authorities for that very purpose.  We must pray relentlessly for those who protect our families, homes and community. In this way we ensure a strong bond is established between citizen and the city employees whose foremost responsibility is to maintain our much cherished community security.

We pray O God our Father that you put a hedge around the Manassas Police Department.  Bless the bereaved family of any fallen officer, remembering that the earth has no sorrow that the heavens cannot heal.  God please bless this city in a powerful way and keep us in Your arms and in Your grace.  We promise to give Our Lord the praise and glory in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.