National First Responder Day Prayer Initiative
October 28, 2026
Churches Praying Across the Nation
Adopt a local first responder agency.
Gather your church.
Cover those who serve your community in prayer.
On October 28, 2026, Mission First Alliance invites churches across the nation to gather for one hour of prayer for the first responders who serve their communities.
Your church can adopt a local police department, sheriff’s office, fire station, EMS agency, or dispatch center and coordinate a place and time to pray. Together, we’ll lift up first responders, their families, and their agencies—sharing the hope, encouragement, and love of Christ with those who answer the call.
Why we pray
First responders step into emergencies, tragedy, and uncertainty as part of their daily work. The weight of that service can follow them home, affecting their families, relationships, and well-being.
As the body of Christ, we have an opportunity to stand alongside them in prayer, encouragement, and care. We pray for their protection, wisdom, healing, and rest—and for them to know the lasting hope found in Jesus Christ.
This day of prayer is a simple way for your church to begin building a relationship with those who serve your community. Our hope is that the encouragement and connection will continue long after October 28.
How to Participate
1. Choose a local agency
Adopt a police department, sheriff’s office, fire station, EMS agency, or dispatch center in your community. Adopting a location means committing to pray for the first responders who serve there and encouraging them in the work they do.
2. Register your church
Choose a church liaison and complete the church registration form with your adopted agency, gathering location, and planned prayer time.
3. Invite your church
Share the individual signup page with your congregation. Participants will select your church when they register so your liaison can coordinate the gathering.
4. Gather and pray
On October 28, gather for one hour of prayer for first responders, their families, and your community. Contact your adopted agency beforehand to arrange an appropriate meeting place and time.
How to Participate
1. Choose a local agency
Adopt a police department, sheriff’s office, fire station, EMS agency, or dispatch center in your community. Adopting a location means committing to pray for the first responders who serve there and encouraging them in the work they do.
2. Register your church
Choose a church liaison and complete the church registration form with your adopted agency, gathering location, and planned prayer time.
3. Invite your church
Share the individual signup page with your congregation. Participants will select your church when they register so your liaison can coordinate the gathering.
4. Gather and pray
On October 28, gather for one hour of prayer for first responders, their families, and your community. Contact your adopted agency beforehand to arrange an appropriate meeting place and time.
What to Pray For
FIRST RESPONDERS
Pray for protection, wisdom in difficult decisions, strength for each shift, and healing from the things they see and experience.
THEIR FAMILIES
Pray for strong marriages, peace at home, support for their children, and meaningful time together amid demanding schedules.
THEIR AGENCIES
Pray for wise leadership, unity among coworkers, and a culture of care. Ask God to open doors for encouragement and the hope of Christ.
When the Church gathers to pray, we remind those who run toward crisis that they do not carry the weight of their calling alone. Together, we can let first responders across our nation know they are seen, valued, and covered in prayer.
“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:16 ESV
Planning Your Prayer Gathering
Choose your time
Plan to gather for one hour on October 28, 2026. Each church will choose its prayer time in coordination with its adopted agency.
Contact the agency before arriving
Explain the initiative and ask where your group may gather. Confirm the time, parking arrangements, and any security or access requirements. Enter the building only if invited.
Keep emergency access clear
Follow agency guidance and keep entrances, vehicle bays, driveways, and emergency routes open. Be flexible if calls or operational needs change the plans.
Keep your participants informed
Your church liaison should share the confirmed meeting location, prayer time, parking instructions, and any changes with everyone who signs up.
Gather with a heart to serve
Thank first responders for their service and ask whether they have prayer requests. Respect their privacy and ask permission before taking or sharing photos.
Planning Your Prayer Gathering
REGISTER YOUR CHURCH
Ready to adopt a local first responder agency? Have your church liaison register your church and share your gathering details.
JOIN YOUR CHURCH
Is your church already participating? Select your church and sign up to join its prayer gathering on October 28.