Here are seven complete sets of prayers of the faithful for law enforcement. Use them at a Blue Mass, during National Police Week in the United States (the week of May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day), near the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel (September 29), after the death or injury of an officer, or on a Sunday when the parish prays for those who keep it safe. Each set prays for the Church, for public authorities, for police officers, for their families and for people in need; some add victims of crime and those wrongly accused. Each ends with two optional intentions, marked I and II.
The Church teaches that protecting the lives of others can be “a grave duty” for those who are responsible for them (CCC 2265).
How to use these prayers
- Choose one set and adapt it; you may swap in an intention from another set.
- Keep it short. Four to six intentions are enough; the Church asks that intentions be “sober” and “succinct” (GIRM 71).
- Fill in names where you see N. or (Names).
- Give the reader a printed copy and agree on the response, usually “Lord, hear our prayer.”
- Name the services present: city police, sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, corrections and probation officers, dispatchers and chaplains.
- Pray for the fallen by name in optional intention II. Option 7 has an intention for members of law enforcement families who have died.
- Keep the balance. Options 3 and 6 also pray for those falsely accused, for victims of crime and for the repentance of those who have done harm. After a painful local event, choose one of them.
Option 1: For Public Authorities, Officers and Their Families
- That the Church may be an unwavering voice for justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of life in our society.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For all public authorities, that they may govern with wisdom and integrity, promoting peace and justice for all.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For all law enforcement officers, that they may be protected as they serve and safeguard our communities.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For the families of police officers and all those in law enforcement, that God may grant them patience, strength and peace as they endure the sacrifices and uncertainties of this vocation, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those in our community who are suffering, that they may receive the support and care they need.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 2: For Police Officers and Detectives, and Spouses During Long Separations
- For the Church in her mission to spread the Gospel and bring God’s love to all people.
Let us pray to the Lord. - That all government leaders may make wise decisions to ensure the common good and protect the vulnerable. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For police officers, detectives, and all law enforcement personnel, that through their service they may be ministers of Christ’s peace and reconciliation. Let us pray to the Lord.
- That the spouses of law enforcement officers may be consoled amid long separations, and find hope and community support in their difficulties, let us pray to the Lord.
- For the sick, the bereaved, and all those in need in our community.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 3: For Courage and Discernment, and Those Falsely Accused
- For the unity and strength of the Catholic Church, that she may faithfully proclaim the truth of the Gospel.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For our government officials, that they may be guided by the Holy Spirit in making decisions that promote justice and peace.
Let us pray to the Lord. - That God may guide the actions of police officers, granting them courage in the face of danger and discernment in complex situations.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For those falsely accused or wrongly imprisoned, that truth may prevail, and justice may be served. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For our sick, bereaved, and all those in need of God’s mercy.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 4: For Officers’ Safety and the Children of Law Enforcement Families
- That the Church may be a voice for the voiceless and work tirelessly to uphold the dignity of every human person. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For government officials at all levels, that they may strive to create a society of justice, equality, and opportunity for all citizens.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For police officers, detectives, and all those in law enforcement, that God may protect them as they work to maintain order and keep our communities secure.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For the children of police officers and others serving in law enforcement, that they may be shielded from harm, and find role models of integrity in their parents, let us pray to the Lord.
- For those who are sick, grieving, or in any kind of need.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 5: For Peace, Honor in Duty and Families in Crisis
- For the Church, that she may be an instrument of God’s peace, working to overcome division, hatred, and injustice in our world. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For all those who hold public office, that they may strive to build a society rooted in justice and peace.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For law enforcement officers, that they may be kept safe from harm and perform their duties with honor and integrity.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For law enforcement families facing crises such as illness, addiction, financial troubles or division, that they may experience God’s healing visitation, let us pray to the Lord.
- For all who are suffering in our community, that they may be comforted and healed.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 6: For Civil Leaders, Victims of Crime and the Repentance of Offenders
- For the universal Church, that she may faithfully proclaim the Gospel to all nations.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For our civil leaders, that they may govern with wisdom and promote the well-being of all citizens.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For police officers, detectives, and all those who serve in law enforcement, that God may grant them perseverance, integrity, and sound judgment in the performance of their duties; and above all, that God may protect them as they strife to keep our communities safe. Let us pray to the Lord.
- That victims of crime may find healing, and those who have caused harm may be led to true repentance and rehabilitation. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For the sick and all who are suffering, that they may experience God’s healing and comfort.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. For the dead, that they will rise with Christ to rejoice forever with the saints, especially N., Let us pray to the Lord
Option 7: For Integrity in Service and Safety from Violence
- For the Church, that she may be strengthened in her mission to bring the light of Christ to the world.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For all those in authority, that they may act justly and promote the dignity of every human person.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For law enforcement officers, that they may be safe and act with integrity as they protect and serve.
Let us pray to the Lord. - For our families and loved ones, that they may be shielded from violence and kept safe under God’s loving care. Let us pray to the Lord.
- For those in our community who are in need of our prayers, especially the sick and bereaved.
Let us pray to the Lord.
I. (For our sick, bereaved, special projects or events, etc.)
II. That those from law enforcement families who have died, especially N., may be welcomed into the eternal joy and peace of God’s heavenly kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
A sample introduction and closing prayer
The priest introduces and concludes the intentions (GIRM 71). These samples were written for this guide; the celebrant may use his own words.
Introduction:
Brothers and sisters, the Lord calls the peacemakers blessed. Let us pray to the Father for those who keep the peace among us, and for all who need his help.
Concluding prayer:
God of justice and peace, watch over the men and women who protect our communities. Give them courage, sound judgment and compassion; guard them in danger and bring them safely home. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Blue Mass?
A Mass for police officers and other public safety personnel, living and dead. The first was celebrated in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 1934, by Father Thomas Dade for the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society. Many dioceses hold one each year, often near September 29 or during Police Week in May.
Who is the patron saint of police officers?
Saint Michael the Archangel, whose feast, with Saints Gabriel and Raphael, is September 29. See the Saint Michael prayer and the patron saint of police.
When is National Police Week?
In the United States, the calendar week in which May 15, Peace Officers Memorial Day, falls. In 2027 it runs from Sunday, May 9, to Saturday, May 15.
Which readings suit a Mass for law enforcement?
Where the Mass of the day allows a choice: Micah 6:6-8, Psalm 91, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 5:1-12 (the Beatitudes) and John 15:12-17; for officers who have died, Wisdom 3:1-9.
Can we pray by name for officers who died in the line of duty?
Yes. Read their names in optional intention II, and invite their families to the Mass.
Related prayers
- Prayers of the Faithful for emergency services
- Prayers of the Faithful for the military
- Prayers of the Faithful for justice
- Prayers of the Faithful for government leaders
- Prayers of the Faithful for peace
- Saint Michael prayer
- Catholic prayer for protection
- Prayers of the Faithful for this Sunday
Sources
- General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 69–71.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2263–2267 (legitimate defense).