Abba, You know I am here fresh from watching a DVR-ed episode of Blue Bloods. A television program; actors playing a part; writers and producers offering 43 minutes of entertainment; entertainment that often these days purposes itself to shape we the people. To tell us how to see the world; to give us a world view through the lens of their eyes.

In this episode that Momma didn’t want her son to be a cop because people don’t like cops these days she said. That doesn’t take acting. Media tells me there are people, how many I don’t know but You do; people who fear cops, who hate them, who want to kill them or at the very least are suspicious of them. That Momma was afraid her son wanted to be a cop because his Dad had been and he had given his life doing his job. And now her son was 21 and about to graduate the academy; he wanted to take up the gantlet. She was scared. I understand the script; I get that emotion. I get the emotion that says no it’s too dangerous to be a cop; too much abuse and too little respect for the law these days in America. It’s just a television show but that television show brings me to You.

It brings me here to pray for police officers all over this United States of America. It’s a special calling I think, being a police officer. Life tells us there is corruption throughout the world and it settles in the hearts of well I don’t know how many, You do. And life tells us there are corrupt police officers, how many we don’t know, but You do. And so I would that You would weed out the corrupt ones and give them the chance to repent and the others who are doing their jobs, imperfectly, because we all do our jobs imperfectly, all but You; I ask You to protect them. And not only protect them but help them make snap decisions with wisdom and when they get it wrong help them forgive themselves and keep on doing the very best job they know how to do. And for the spouses, the children, the grandchildren, the parents, brothers, sisters; family of these officers I pray they will lean on You; that they will find peace and courage in You. And I pray people will come alongside at just the right time to offer help and encouragement and a timely word from You not just when times are tough but when they are good too.

I pray You will also change the hearts of people who look at police officers with suspicion, fear and hatred. Help us to respect them and their badges. Help us trust their training and to cooperate with them when we are asked. I pray You will do a work in the police departments of America; that You, Holy Spirit, will visit every last one of them and make Yourself known for Jesus sake.

Abba, today I am particularly aware of the influence of the media in this present season. You know for sure and I am open to Your correction when my thinking goes awry. I not only invite but deeply desire Your correction; Your guarding of my mind and all of me is a great comfort and is safety for me. In this public place I shall not name the names but You know them; these commentators vex my soul with their blind biases, with their darkened minds and the propaganda they espouse broadcast after broadcast.   Without You to guard and guide our minds we will believe their fallacies and act upon them. Some are so blatant that I get flat-out mad; forgive me and help me pray for them instead.  I pray for an outpouring of Truth. I pray You will take a hand to expose the unfaithful and the unscrupulous and I pray we the people will see through the sensationalism and the political posturing and reject their fatal messages. Millions of eyes will be on the debate tomorrow evening. I pray for truth to be triumphant, and that lies will be glaringly evident and rejected as despicable by the millions that hear them. Abba, thank You that You graciously allowed me to be born here; thank You for the Constitution and Declaration of Independence that You inspired. It is certain this Republic came to be because the Framers depended on You. Thank You for patiently waiting for me to get that; that real independence comes when we are wholly dependent upon You. DADDY GOD, I love this Country and I am asking You to forgive us, spare us and revive us; open our eyes and redeem us for Jesus sake.

Abba, thank You for today; for confirmation that when we look for kindness by offering it, we will find it. Thank you for the older gentlemen who talked with me about collards. I appreciated his candor. He was fun. And the Cashier, every time I see her she has a smile for me and today her hug was as warm as sunshine on a cold day. Thank You for every bright smile that came our way. Thank You for caring people. And so for those two in particular I pray that tonight their sleep will be sweet and they will receive with a glad heart every blessing You offer. Thank You for the Officer, the video I saw today. Thank You that the young man did not jump and I pray he is hearing Your voice telling him that You love him and You can give him a reason to live. I pray he will say yes to You. I pray for the Officer, for protection, for wisdom and that he will always choose integrity. Thank You, Abba, in Jesus name for each one and for this lovely day. 

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