On Sunday, June 13, the American Family Association (AFA) and millions of Americans will recognize the contributions made by America’s finest in a day of prayer and appreciation.
With negative press, malice and growing violence against law enforcement, AFA believes it is crucial that citizens, and especially Christians, lift up those who wear the badge as local police, sheriff’s departments and state police officers. They ask citizens to recognize officers and take tangible steps to show appreciation for their service, but above all, pray for these dedicated servants.
“We cannot emphasize the prayer component enough,” says AFA president Tim Wildmon. “The Bible is clear; we can and must pray. James 5:16 tells us ‘the fervent prayer of the righteous has great power to prevail.’ Proverbs 15 assures us that ‘the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.’ Our prayers make a difference. We’re calling America to pray. Join us in praying for those who wear the uniforms of America’s peace officers.”
AFA offers three practical steps anyone can take to show support for these heroes in uniform: pray, thank and appreciate, and recognize.
AFA has compiled a list of practical ways to demonstrate admiration for law enforcement:
Get your church involved: Urge your pastor to dedicate time in the service for recognition and prayer for all law enforcement. Suggest that your church invite the local sheriff, police chief and law enforcement officers to attend that Sunday so the entire congregation can pray over them and thank them in person. Read this encouraging story of what one Tennessee church did to support their local police. Share the story on your church website.
Coordinate with your church small groups to dedicate time to pray for law enforcement. AFA’s Bryan Fisher, host of American Family Radio’s Focal Point, has written a sample prayer here.
Take time to thank law enforcement: Call, text, post and recognize friends and family in the force. Post photos of friends or family in uniform to reinforce that you stand with them in their dangerous and underappreciated profession.
Make your thanks tangible: Next time you see an officer, pay for their meal or gas or groceries. Handwrite a few thank you notes and pass them out to officers when you see them. Pray over those notes and ask God to remind the officer how many people support their hard work and dedication at a time when so many voices are opposed.
Recognize law enforcement publicly: Let them know you care. Comment on law enforcement Facebook and Twitter sites; most local law enforcement maintain such sites.
You can also write a letter to the local newspaper. Your letter will encourage officers and inspire readers to take similar actions. In your post or letter, be sure to include practical steps anyone can take like those listed here. If no one in your community is standing with the police, be the one to take the initiative. A sample letter to the editor is provided here.
Tim Wildmon, president of AFA, issued a compelling warning: “The systematic dismantling of and disrespect for law enforcement are crippling America’s cities. Without law enforcement, there is no law and order. Without law and order, anarchy prevails. When anarchy prevails, individual citizens and entire communities are at risk. We must restore the respect and honor these brave men and women in law enforcement deserve.”
To sign up your family or church to participate in AFA’s Day of Prayer and Appreciation for Law Enforcement, visit their website. {eoa}
For over 40 years, AFA has operated within the mission to inform, equip and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission. Find AFA Action Alerts here.
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