As riots rage on in Baltimore, the police stand on the front lines, ready to protect and serve the community. Tonight, people of faith will pray for justice and peace, as well as for the safety of these officers.  As a warrior of God, St Michael is the patron saint of police, and many Christians will be praying for his intercession as they stand in harm’s way.

This prayer is commonly known as the Police Officer’s Prayer to St Michael:

Make us the terror of burglars, the friend of children and
law-abiding citizens, kind to strangers, polite to bores,
strict with law-breakers and impervious to temptations.

You know, Saint Michael, from your own experiences
with the devil that the police officer’s lot on earth is not
always a happy one; but your sense of duty that so
pleased God, your hard knocks that so surprised the
devil, and your angelic self-control give us inspiration.

And when we lay down our night sticks,
enroll us in your heavenly force, where we will be
as proud to guard the throne of God
as we have been to guard the city of all the people.

AMEN

May Saint Michael protect the police in their work.