About us

How did it start?
We began praying for New York City the day of the attacks on 9-11 but it was a trip in July 2002
that gave birth to the FDNY prayer team. When we met the firefighters who had been there that
day, those who had lost brothers, those who had helped with the clean up, and those who had just
joined the department, God pierced our hearts with a call to intercede for them. The world was
showering them with more attention than they could bear but the day would come when most
people moved on and the firefighters would still be processing what they had seen and lived. We also
knew they would still need God's help to face what the future may bring.

Who is involved?
The prayer team is a ministry of Calvary Chapel Bothell but a number of churches and individuals
across the country and around the world receive regular e-mail updates on how to pray for the
FDNY. Most of this comes from news reports and public information.

What about personal prayer requests?
We always keep personal prayer requests private. Names are only submitted publicly when they
have already been published. It's important to keep the confidentiality of all those who share their
concerns and needs. The main points on the "How to Pray" list cover these needs in a more general
way.

How can people join the team?
Anyone can pray and this web page is a helpful resource for those who want to know what to pray
for. If you want to receive the e-mail updates, you can send a request to be added to our contact list
at: pray@fdnyprayer.org. Please put "join the team" in the subject box.

Do you do anything besides pray?
Visiting the firefighters in the FDNY several times a year is a vital part of maintaining the
effectiveness of this prayer ministry. It's hard to stay encouraged when you never see the faces of
the ones you pray for. Personal contact has given us a much better understanding of the issues
facing the firefighters and the areas that need prayer. We have many wonderful stories of answered
prayer and the only reason they aren't on this page is to maintain the firefighters' privacy. Letters
and cards are also a great way to encourage people you know in the FDNY.

What do they think about it?
Almost all of the firefighters we have met believe in the power of prayer and really appreciate our
support. They have welcomed us, fed us, shared personal prayer requests, given us shirts, talked for
hours, shown us around, joked with us, prayed with us, sung songs with us, and in a million ways
lavished us with kindness and friendship. God has blessed us so much and we are honored to be
included in His ministry to these people He loves.