Nine years ago the country reeled as we suffered a massive, terrorist attack on
American soil. First responders of the City of New York, particularly the Fire
Department, were thrust into a new realm of danger, grief, worldwide attention, and
an altered definition of what it meant to be a first responder.
The changing demands on the department, along with the mutating expectations of today’s society, have added to the pressure. The first responder is no longer thought to be just a guardian of the well-being of the city. They are our frontline against terrorism, vulnerable as targets, and symbolic of American pride.
Through prayer every aspect of their lives and their work was covered and brought into the Lord's presence. He is powerfully able to watch over the FDNY alone, but He has chosen to include us in His mysterious work.
Sometimes God works visibly in amazing ways and brings joy to our hearts.
He also works secretly in the souls of the firefighters, weaving things we may not see for years. He strengthens hearts. He spares lives. He prepares them for the tasks they will be called to perform, and He prepares a place for them when they die.
We joined the Lord in His work through prayer and this is very pleasing to Him. There are many things He is willing to do if someone asks, that He will leave undone if no one asks.
Every firehouse was covered, every member of the FDNY prayed for, whether on the job or retired. Every Line of Duty Death for the last 30 years was remembered in the Lord's presence.
No one who was present escaped being touched by the Spirit of God with a sense of His purpose in the FDNY. We find ourselves remembering and praying for the firefighters in our hearts. And we will not forget until everything God desires has been completed.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
Psalm 6:9
Suzanne Hagelin
FDNY Prayer Support Team Leader
The changing demands on the department, along with the mutating expectations of today’s society, have added to the pressure. The first responder is no longer thought to be just a guardian of the well-being of the city. They are our frontline against terrorism, vulnerable as targets, and symbolic of American pride.
Through prayer every aspect of their lives and their work was covered and brought into the Lord's presence. He is powerfully able to watch over the FDNY alone, but He has chosen to include us in His mysterious work.
Sometimes God works visibly in amazing ways and brings joy to our hearts.
He also works secretly in the souls of the firefighters, weaving things we may not see for years. He strengthens hearts. He spares lives. He prepares them for the tasks they will be called to perform, and He prepares a place for them when they die.
We joined the Lord in His work through prayer and this is very pleasing to Him. There are many things He is willing to do if someone asks, that He will leave undone if no one asks.
Every firehouse was covered, every member of the FDNY prayed for, whether on the job or retired. Every Line of Duty Death for the last 30 years was remembered in the Lord's presence.
No one who was present escaped being touched by the Spirit of God with a sense of His purpose in the FDNY. We find ourselves remembering and praying for the firefighters in our hearts. And we will not forget until everything God desires has been completed.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.
Psalm 6:9
Suzanne Hagelin
FDNY Prayer Support Team Leader
FDNY 2010 Prayer Conference report