(from the Federation of Fire Chaplains)
Dear Lord, I turn to you each day for guidance,
For I know You can supply my every need.
And I want each soul to whom I render service,
To know You are behind my every deed.
As a Chaplain dedicated to the Fire Service,
These are very special people I must Serve,
They have chosen lives of public dedication,
That requires a body strong and filled with nerve.
Each and every time the fire alarm is sounded,
Please, look down and of my movements take control,
Guide my footsteps as I go to join my comrades,
As their ladders they set up and hose they unroll.
Open wide my eyes that I might see each problem,
Let my ears be tuned in case someone should call.
Let my lips deliver words to lend compassion,
Let my hands assist if some firefighter falls.
If it falls my lot to take a saddened message,
To the family of some badly injured person,
Give my tongue the words to speak for consolation.
Let my words give hope and comfort when they can.
Let me gain the confidence of each firefighter.
Let them speak of any problem they desire.
Let them understand each talk is fully private,
May each answer that I give them hope inspire.
Guide my conduct as I labor for You daily,
May each image that I cast reflect of You.
Let my light so shine that each and every person
Will know it’s Your hand that guides each deed I do.
Amen.
A PRAYER FOR CHAPLAINS
By Dick Millspaugh, BCC
O Holy One, When disaster strikes by air, land, sky or sea,
Strengthen me.
When shock numbs, stuns, or overcomes me,
Hold me.
When the flames of anger threaten me,
Calm me.
When retaliation seems my only choice,
Speak to me of grace.
When I would be god to save all,
Humble me.
Creator of the air, land, sky and sea:
Strengthen me, that I may calm others.
Ground me, that I may be peace for others.
Empower me, that I may act where I am.
Humble me,
that I may know my need Is always, always to live in You.
Amen.
