I had been sitting in standstill traffic for over an hour. The GPS on my phone made zero indication of what was going on. Eventually, cars started to inch forward, and I could see flashing lights in the distance ahead of me. I was being detoured off the highway because there had been a terrible accident. Several police cruisers, firetrucks, and multiple ambulances crowded the scene. Instantly, my frustration shifted to concern. I started to pray for those involved in the accident, for their families and for the busy group of first responders working the scene.

Prayer Practice Rooted in Experience

As a practice, my family prays out loud for the victims and first responders whenever we see emergency vehicles on the road. For us, it’s deeply personal; several of our family members serve as first responders: firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, emergency social workers, and others who step into trauma on a daily basis. I often hear firsthand stories of how they run into chaos while others are running out.

More Than a Job

My niece, who works as a first responder, shared how meaningful it is to her to care for someone experiencing a medical crisis. She sees her job as a calm presence on what is often the worst day of someone’s life. Whether it’s a vehicle accident or a senior in cardiac distress, she steps in with skill and empathy. Her perspective and servant heart remind me that the work first responders do is so much more than physical; it’s emotional and spiritual work, too.

The Helpers You Don't See

And the care doesn’t stop when the flashing lights turn off. My sister-in-law, a medical social worker, serves in a hospital and also works for the Red Cross, ready to be deployed to communities to connect with survivors and those impacted by catastrophe and disaster. These quiet helpers often go unseen, but they are just as essential as the first responders. They sit with grieving families, listen to survivors, and support people through the first steps of emotional and spiritual recovery.

Praying with Purpose

Each story I hear reminds me of how vital these roles are and how important it is to pray for those who step in after trauma strikes. The next time you pass an emergency scene, hear news of tragedy, or feel helplessness in the face of disaster, you can pray. Below are a few prayers I created with the help and wisdom of the first responders in my life. Use them as your own, or let them inspire the words you offer:

Prayer for physical safety:

Lord, I pray for the men and women who walk into danger so others can walk out of it. I pray for physical protection as they enter burning buildings, wrecked cars, busy streets, and violent situations. Keep them alert, steady, and responsive. May they have mental readiness and the ability to focus as they make split-second decisions. May their training guide them and their gear protect them. Surround them with wise teammates and clear communication. May they feel you go before them and behind them, guarding every step of their way.

Prayer for emotional and psychological resilience:

God of compassion, I pray for those who carry the weight of grief, chaos, and suffering of others. Give them the strength to stay present without absorbing every pain. Help them recognize when they need rest, space, or support. Help them recognize signs of trauma in themselves and give them the courage to seek help when needed. When they wrestle with regret or guilt after making a tough call, or when they replay moments and wonder what they could have done differently, remind them that you see their heart. May they be reminded that their care matters, even when the outcomes are out of their control. May they remain tender without becoming overwhelmed, strong without becoming hard.

Prayer for spiritual well-being:

Father, I pray for spiritual protection for those who serve in hard places. Strengthen the faith of those who question your goodness after exposure to so much tragedy, grief, and danger. I pray for the Christians who serve in these roles, strengthen their quiet witness, encourage them, and remind them that you are close to the brokenhearted and present even in the darkest scenes. Restore their hope and refresh their sense of calling. May they feel your nearness in both the loud and quiet places and heal the wounds and moral injury that they can’t name. Remind them that you are present even when the outcomes aren't perfect.

Prayer for community and support:

God of comfort, I pray for the personal lives of first responders and crisis caregivers. Give them grace as they shift between work and home. Help them set healthy personal boundaries and find a manageable work-life balance. May they find joy outside of work and rest without guilt. Help them build strong relationships that, at times, are stretched thin by stress and long shifts. Bring understanding to friends and loved ones who want to help but don’t always know how. I pray for the marriages and families who quietly carry the weight of the work, too. May the partners, spouses, and family members have great patience, empathy, and reliance.

See the Crisis, Say a Prayer

May you be encouraged to pray for the men and women who serve when emergencies strike. Pray for them as they show up, step in, and stay calm. Pray for their safety, their minds, their faith, and their families. Let the sirens and flashing lights be a reminder to pray for those who jump into crises and disasters. May they know that “The Lord is near the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18.

For more resources on prayer and comfort during a crisis, check out this Groundwork episode, "Comfort in Times of Community Crisis."