Police officers play a crucial role in our communities, but they have a dangerous job. You can understand the true nature of this danger by looking at the Department of Labor's latest data on the injuries, illnesses, and fatalities police sustain at work. 

In 2018, the rate of fatal injuries in policing was 13.7 per 100,000 full-time workers. To put that in perspective, that means 108 police officers died in the line of duty. This figure is significantly higher than the rate of fatalities in all other professions — as an average of 3.5 people die at work per 100,000 full-time workers. 

Police also suffered many serious injuries that forced them to take leave. In 2018, the rate of nonfatal injuries requiring leave in policing was 121.7 per 100,000 full-time workers. The rate of nonfatal injuries in all other professions is 7.3 per 100,000 workers. 

While the Department of Labor hasn't released figures for 2019 and 2020 yet, these numbers are consistent with injuries police sustained in previous years. 

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Unfortunately, you can't keep police officers safe yourself. But you can turn to God through prayer. God watches over His children at work, and through prayer, you can ask that He keep police officers safe.

Though the world looks very different than it did in Biblical times, the work of police officers and people who fight for justice has always been part of God's plan for the Earth. 

For example, we see in Proverbs 24:24-25 that He commands people to call out those that claim to be righteous but do "wicked" things: "He that saith unto the wicked, "Thou art righteous": him shall the people curse — nations shall abhor him. But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them." 

In Proverbs 21:15, we're commanded to bring down judgment on those who behave immorally and unfairly: "It is a joy to just to do judgment, but destruction shall come to the workers of iniquity."

And in Amos 5:24, Amos compares judgment on those who have sinned to a stream: "But let judgment run down like waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." 

Though everyone interprets the Bible subjectively, many Christians believe that Amos says in this passage that judgment is as vital to society as water is to the ecosystem around a stream. 

Of course, the Bible also features Saint Michael in the Book of Daniel and the Epistle of Jude. Saint Michael models the ideal behavior of a police officer, as he fights for peace, enforces justice, and defends the people of Israel. Naturally, people often refer to him as the "Archangel for police." 

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Bible verses about police officers

When new officers join the force today, they take an oath to serve and protect. Although the phrase "protect and serve" didn't exist in Biblical times, the Bible reflects its spirit in many verses — including:

• Romans 12:10: "Be devoted to another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
• Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people."
• Psalm 82:3-4: "Defend the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: Rid them out of the hand of the wicked."

While there are no literal police in the Bible, there are people in similar roles who reflect the spirit of the oath. These officers include the watchmen in Ezekiel 33:6, the armed guards in Nehemiah 4:13, and the judges in Ezekiel 44:24.

Saying a prayer for the safety of police officers is a kind and thoughtful way to protect them. In this section, we'd like to share six short police officers’ prayers. 

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Short policeman's prayer

"Almighty God, police officers are the thin blue line against tyranny. Please grant them strength and courage so they may face any challenges with ease. Thank you, Lord, for we know that you watch over them closely. Amen." 

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Prayer for police officers safety at work

"Lord, today, our brave police women and men go to work amidst danger. We know their job is risky, Lord, and we fear for their safety in the line of duty. As Psalm 147:3 says, you heal broken hearts and bind up the wounded.

Please grant them your almighty protection, a strong spirit, and loyalty to their fellow officers who serve internationally and under the American flag. Please stay by them and deliver them home safely to their families. Amen." 

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Saint Michael prayer for police officers

"Saint Michael, we ask that you protect our brave police officers against those with malice and ill will. They're our first responders and our protectors from violence, robbery, and wickedness. 

Please walk beside them and protect them as they protect us. Amen." 

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Prayer for protection and guidance in the face of danger

"Dear God,

You wield great power over your world and people. And though many people need your loving care, let me ask you to grant our local police department personalized attention today. 

Those brave men and women keep our homes, children, and businesses safe. 

You are the Lord whose great power and eternal wisdom embrace the world.

Please watch over our police officers and guide them from danger. 

Please disarm any weapon used against them, and please protect them on the road. 

In Jesus Christ's name, Amen." 

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Mother's prayer for a police officer son or daughter

"Lord, Please watch over my son/daughter in their daily assignments today. I trust in you, but I fear for their safety in these dangerous times. I know there's uproar, violence, and mayhem around us. 

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Please guide my son/daughter through any troubles they face in the performance of their duty.

Lord, please bless them with the words of Psalm 122:8: "peace be within you," and please deliver me from my own fears. Amen." 

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Fallen police officer prayer 

"Lord, 

We have lost a hero who once walked among us. 

They didn't wear a cape or a fancy costume, but they stood by us in the fight against evil. 

They fought for your world, and unfortunately, they lost their life in the line of duty. 

Please welcome them into heaven with open arms and give them our praises and our gratitude. 

Thank you, Lord. 

In your son Jesus' name, Amen." 

As policing is a dangerous and demanding job, many people worry about police officers in their friend groups, families, and communities. 

But while you can't go with your local police officers everywhere, God can. God watches over all of His children — including those that serve their communities through policing. As Proverbs 15:3 says: "The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good."

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If you are looking for comfort in a loved one's role as a police officer, you might like our series with ex-navy seal Ty Smith. Or, if you'd like to listen to other pray.com content, download our app from the iOS App or Google Play store.