New York National Guard / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Father,
we give our thanks for the men and women
who go on doing their duty
in the face of
loneliness,
monotony,
misunderstanding,
danger.
We pray for those who serve us in this city
at hazard to their lives:
the policemen, fireman and medical staff
and all others whose work demands constant risk.
We pray for the soldiers and sailors
who at any moment are either bored or scared,
but they stay at their post and do what they must.
Father bless their courage
with the peace that they, and we, are praying for.
Forgive us, Father,
if we ever take for granted what others are doing
so that we can live in peace and safety.
Make us the kind of people who deserve these blessings.
We expect others to show courage in the line of duty.
If, once in a while,
we must stand up to be counted
and show a little concern of our own,
help us to set an example
by being the kind of people Christ has called us to be.
Andrew W. Blackwood, Jr., 1882-1966, American pastor, professor and author
Prayers Encircling the World: An International Anthology, slightly modified
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For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many.
prayer & verse 
I thank you for this post. My son in Winston Salem works as a PA in the ER here. I have concerns for his safety and the welfare of his family.
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