The Bunker Gear of God Prayer
(By Chaplain Lee Gatzke, Sauk Village (IL) Fire Department
Prayer for the Firefighter
“Bunker Gear of God”
Heavenly Father,
As a Firefighter “Warrior” preparing for the “Call”
I claim victory over the destruction of that “Alarm”
by putting on the whole “Bunker Gear of God”
also known in Scripture as “The Whole Armour of God”
I put on the “Firefighting Boots”
or the “Shoes of Peace”
May I step firmly into them,
knowing you have given me the strength and endurance
so that the potential hazard can be stomped out.
I pull up the “Bunker Pants” by the suspenders
or as the scripture says, I “cover my legs with Truth”
May I stand firm in the truth of your love and your protection
so I will not become a victim of harm while on fire ground
I put on the“Bunker Coat”
or rather, the “Breastplate of Righteousness”
May it guard my heart from harms way
and guide me to demonstrate “Duty First and Honor Always”
I put on the “Fire Helmet”
known as the “Helmet of Salvation”
May it protect my head and keep my mind focused and sharp on the task at hand
knowing that I am protected under the shed blood of your Son Jesus Christ and
knowing that you give me the grace, ability and knowledge to perform my duty.
I put the Air-Pak on my back
This is my “Shield of Faith”
further protecting me and providing me with the air I need
amidst the toxic environment that is fighting to keep me from my job.
Finally, I bring the “Attack Hose Line” from the Fire Engine
which is like the “Sword of the Spirit” which Scripture tells us is the Word of God
It is charged and ready to douse the fiery flames of evil
It is by faith, that “I, the Firefighter” “Warrior”
Puts on the Bunker Gear of God
Ready to answer the “Alarm”
-Amen-
(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.
