PRAYERS FOR THE POLICE

30^th September is National  Police Memorial Day, 

The Revd. David Wilbraham, the national police chaplain and chaplain to Thames Valley Police  will lead the service at York Minster to remember fallen officers, which will be attended by senior officers and affected families from all over the UK.

No doubt it will be especially poignant this year with this week's events in Manchester.

Below  are some prayers including special prayers remembering PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone,  the Thames Valley Police prayer, which could be used  in church either this Sunday or next Sunday, 

PRAYERS:

God of all mercy, we commend to you all who serve in the police forces across the land, especially all those in uniform, regulars and specials, PCSOs and cadets.  We thank you for their dedication to duty, often in very difficult circumstances.  We pray for those who sometimes fail in their duty,

and for those who feel hurt and betrayed when the police fail to live up to their calling,  remembering especially the families of those who died in the Hillsborough disaster, and the family of Ian Tomlinson. We pray for an open and honest evaluation of every case of alleged misconduct.

Lord, as we approach the annual service remembering those officers who have died whilst on duty,

or

Lord, today, the National Police memorial day we remember  PCs Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone of Greater Manchester Police so recently murdered and all who have given their lives in our service.  We lift to you their families, friends and colleagues as they mourn and reflect on both the past and the future.  May we who rely on the police support them in their work, may our laws support them and this nation in our daily lives and in times of trouble.

We give you thanks for police chaplains as they stand alongside all who work for the police. We pray for Rev. David Wilbraham, the National Police Chaplain and lead chaplain in Thames Valley, for force chaplains, and for the team of voluntary chaplains serving Thames Valley Police, giving thanks that their ministry is welcomed and valued across the land.

THE THAMES VALLEY POLICE PRAYER

 Almighty God, bless we pray all members of Thames Valley Police,

that they may honour their calling and serve those around them,

upholding human rights and according equal respect to all. Inspire them to standards of fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality worthy of their calling; that their actions might always be just,their motives pure and tempered with compassion, and that they may walk humbly with you.

Give them strength and wisdom to protect the weak and vulnerable, and champion the cause of the innocent; protect them from harm, and in your mercy let peace reign in Thames Valley. Amen.

circulated by Revd Linda Hillier, member of Diocese of Oxford Rural Team and a local Police Chaplain.