An American Police Officers Prayer

Twenty-five years ago, members of The North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officers Association asked me to compose a prayer for police officers.

The prayer was distributed to police and law enforcement officials, and also used as the invocation at numerous police and security events.

America’s continual culture of violence demands a unity of effort to build bridges of trust between law enforcement and communities.  There must be a unity of effort between police and community to prevent chaos in our communities.

And the verses of this prayer remain necessary now more than ever, as a petition to heaven for guidance, reawakening, and protection.

An American Police Officers Prayer

God our provider, allow us to be radiant light so darkness can be vanquished and our communities reawakened.

Let us live by the splendor of truth and high ethical standards, so deception can be eradicated from our nation.

Give us an unwavering confidence in our task, and keep the torch of character burning in our hearts. 

Forge partnerships between police and communities, let apathy be conquered by a unity of dedication.

Allow the providential wisdom of our American heritage to inspire us, empower us with unfailing strength to bear all trials.

Enlighten us so this unique time of challenge may impel us to transform the nation.

Protect us with the ironclad shield of virtue and the mighty sword of justice.  Ignite wisdom, understanding, and compassion within our souls.

Animate our hearts, so those you entrust us to safeguard may live in a nation of tranquility, solidarity, and liberty.

Amen

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America with over 300 published works.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He is co-founder of Global Security Resolutions and served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy families of victims. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries.

For more information see vincentbove.com or twitter@vincentjbove

Related:

Respect: The Heart of the Police Officer

Congressional Record Tribute / Vincent Bove / Volume 149,Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003) [Senate] [Page S4510]

American Gang Crisis Alert: School Recruitment and Response

Note Well: 

At the request of the President of the Bergen County Police Chiefs Association (BCPCA), I was honored to deliver this prayer as the invocation for their Nov. 19, 2021 event at The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ.

During the event, copies of my newest cover story for The Chief of Police, and an article titled In Memoriam: America's Fallen Police Officers, were available to all attendees.  

My newest cover story America's School Issues and Response: Coronavirus, Security, Character, Academics was also available to all attendees.

It has been my honor to be an associate member of the BCPCA since 1999, and to be their liaison for community policing and violence prevention for 20 consecutive years.  

Prayer Updated: Some words have been slightly modified from the original 1996 prayer in this updated version.

Photos

             1.  NYPD Sergeant at prayer, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Brooklyn, NYC, June 26, 2017. A memorial Mass was held honoring officers who died in the line of duty. The names of 36 fallen officers were read.  All of the most recent had died due to illnesses contracted while working at Ground Zero. (Courtesy NYPD news) 

             2. Vincent J. Bove presents America's Drug Crisis: Issues and Response, Oct. 20, 2017, Champion, PA as requested by the Professional Affordable Housing Management Association. 

       

             3. BCPCA event at The Brownstone, Paterson, NJ on Nov. 19, 2021, with copies of Vincent Bove articles distributed during the event.