We used booklets on November 14th as we prayed for the NY fire department that contained information, scriptures and other tools that served as a guideline for our prayers and activities. Each section represented a different hour and a different focus. There was a speaker who introduced each one.
Battalion Chief Corrado, for example, spoke to us about the current needs of the fire department and gave us insight into how we could pray for them.
In the center of the room was a table standing by itself that had two pillar candles on either side of a large bowl. This represented our prayers in heaven as they are described in the book of Revelation.
They held gold bowls filled with incense,
which are the prayers of God’s people.
Revelation 5:8 (NLT)
In the course of daily life, our minds get dull and our hearts grow distant, and we forget how much the Lord God loves us and reaches out to us. This is why we spent the first hour honoring Him.
We filled the room with music -- guitar, piano, five voices blending in harmonies. The words of the songs spoke of our longing for God and of His heart towards us, and the names of God that were read gave us a better understanding of what He is like and a sense of His presence A few of these are listed on the first page.
We prayed for each firehouse; for various aspects and practical needs of the FDNY; for each of the families and friends who lost someone in the Line of Duty in the last 30 years; for the impact the firefighters make in the world and for their future.
Suzanne Hagelin
FDNY Prayer Support Team Leader
FDNY 2009 Prayer Conference report