Roy Exum: The Policeman’s Prayer

  • Wednesday, October 21, 2015
  • Roy Exum
Roy Exum
Roy Exum

Sometimes something inside of me just seems to click and I can always tell when it happens because my eyes tend to water. The Aegis Law Enforcement Foundation held its annual celebration luncheon of law enforcement on Tuesday and when Chattanooga Police Department Officer Jonathan Parker stood to deliver the day’s invocation, my something clicked.

Officer Parker knows what police departments everywhere are going through with racial woes, budget cutbacks, gang shootings, illegal drugs, senseless murders and “babies having babies,” just to name a few. He also remembers a tragic Thursday this summer that redefined our city. After the luncheon I asked him if I could borrow what he said in his remarks and his invocation and he graciously complied.

As you read his eulogy and prayer, I hope and pray to God that something clicks inside you on behalf of law enforcement professionals all across America. Men and women who fearlessly serve like Jonathan Parker are a national treasure. Now you will see why:

* * *

To borrow the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, July 16, 2015, is ‘a date that will live infamy.’ It is the day the Chattanooga community found out, “It CAN happen here.” It is a day when many brave service members and law enforcement professionals fought valiantly to stop the attack of evil.

It is a day that reminds me of the words of Pastor Ron Phillips at the funeral of Chattanooga Police Sergeant Tim Chapin, who died in the line of duty in 2011. Rev. Phillips passionately proclaimed, “Some say Tim lost his life. No! Tim gave his life … and there is a difference.

The difference is that no one can take that which is freely … sacrificially … given. And that day five men gave their lives because they chose to serve this great nation.

If you are physically able, would you join me in standing? In just a moment, I will offer our invocation. But, first, I have been asked to honor the memory of the fallen with a moment of silent prayer and reflection for these men and their families. So this morning we honor:

Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Sullivan

Staff Sergeant David Wyatt

Sergeant Carson Holmquist

Lance Corporal Squire Wells

Petty Officer Randall Smith

[After an appropriate time, Officer Parker began his invocation:]

Our Heavenly Father,

We stand in your presence a changed people. Time and life’s circumstances have that effect on humanity. For that reason, we acknowledge and pray to you, the One who is Eternal, the One who never changes, the One who redeems the story of our lives, who heals our wounds, and who has brought us together as a community.

We understand, perhaps now more than ever, that we are in a real, ongoing battle with the forces of evil. We understand the source of that evil. Though it may manifest itself in the flesh, and through the use of physical weaponry, we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies. We are fighting spiritual wickedness in your heavenly realm. This wickedness despises your name, even the name of your Son Jesus. It shuns the light of your righteousness.

And yet, Lord, we praise you, because we understand that though we are human and walk in the flesh, we are not left to war as the world might. Though some of us wear body armor and gun belts, these things are not our primary defense. You are our shield and defense, our refuge and strength. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to you and are saved.

So, Father, we can’t pray like we prayed last year. We come with fervency, asking you to heal this community, and protect us. We lift up our leaders, asking you to give them wisdom. Guide their hearts, and let their decisions be pleasing in your sight.

Give us peace in our communities. Bring reconciliation and healing. Encourage and strengthen us, remind us why we are serving, and fill our hearts with compassion for the hurting.

Bless those who are here to support the law enforcement community; multiple their gifts, and may their reward be great. We are grateful for (the Aegis Law Enforcement Foundation of Greater Chattanooga), and for the work they are doing.

We pray your blessing upon the meal we are about to receive, and for those who labored to prepare it. You are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Chief of chiefs and the Sheriff of sheriffs.

It is in your name, Jesus, that we pray. Amen.

* * *

There is a critical need to buy a law-enforcement simulator for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department that will be shared with other police departments in Chattanooga’s neighboring towns. The cost of the high-tech machine is $70,000. The Aegis Law Enforcement Foundation is asking for the public’s help to defray the cost of the simulator and if the goal is reached, all remaining money will go to the Chattanooga Police Department for a second simulator to help train recruits and veteran officers as well. So let’s go ahead and plainly state the real goal is $140,000.

All gifts to the foundation are tax deductible. Mark Gwyn, the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, was the guest speaker at the Tuesday luncheon and said the simulators are invaluable in saving lives. “I have bought three for our agents and, as I tour the country, just about every city is using them.”

Donations can be mailed to foundation Executive Director Tom Edd Wilson, Aegis Law Enforcement Foundation, The James Building, Suite 309, 735 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

royexum@aol.com

 

 

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