New King James Version
And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the LORD God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD. 1 Chronicles 28:20
This passage pushes me. David is instructing his son Solomon to finish the work. He’s trained him and raised him and now it is time for Solomon to act. That first step, Lord, that first step, can be so daunting. Hearing these words is a reminder that when we are aligned with Christ, we have nothing to fear.
Lord, encourage Your children in this city to act, to love one another, to not wait for someone else’s permission to do so because you have commanded us and granted us permission already. May we step out in faith, leaning on the Holy Spirit’s guidance, to do Your will.
Lord, tonight I pray for the Memphis Fire Department. Be with the friends and families of those who watch their first responders leave the house each day willing to lay down their life for their neighbor. Cover the firemen with your shield as they encounter danger. Give strength and wisdom for the leadership of the Memphis Fire Department including Director Sweat, Deputy Director Burgess, Deputy Director Lloyd, Deputy Director Smith, Deputy Chief Wilson, Deputy Chief Sullivan, Deputy Chief Franks, Deputy Chief Payne and all the unnamed members of the teams they serve. Bless their work and grant them peace in the midst of chaos.
Amen.
https://www.memphistn.gov/government/fire-department/administration/