Medal of Valor Luncheon

Today I was blessed to participate in my department's annual Medal of Valor Lunchoen. I provided the invocation and benediction for the ceremony.

Invocation

Lord of all Creation, we thank You for this day. We thank You for the opportunity to recognize and reward the bravest among our most noble profession. Thank You, Lord, that according to Your sovereign will and plan You allowed these heroes to be in the right place, at the right time.

Almighty and Sovereign God, we thank You for giving each of them the courage, wisdom, and discernment to carry out their duty, in the face of dire circumstances and in the midst of critical incidents. Whether or not they were aware of it at the time, whether or not they believe it now, they were instruments in Your mighty hand.

And Father, we thank You for the families of each of our heroes. We thank You for the families all of our brothers and sisters behind the badge, who are heroes in their own right. Thank You, Lord, for the sacrifice made by the families of the law enforcement professional.

Lord, we ask that You bless our time together, today. Bless the breaking of bread and our fellowship. And bless those who could not be with us this day because they are patrolling the streets, working a case, working a courthouse, or manning a custody facility. Wherever our brethren may be serving at this moment, bless them and protect them.

Lord, I pray that every word that proceeds from every mouth will bring You honor and glory. Be pleased with what takes place here, today. It is in Your most holy name that I pray. Amen.

Benediction

As we began this ceremony, so we close. Lord, we come before Your sovereign throne of righteousness, justice, and grace with thanksgiving in our hearts.

As we leave this place, let us remember the stories we heard here, today. And let us not forget that behind every story, behind every medal stands a brother or sister behind the badge—a selfless hero who, on their day of undaunted courage displayed for all of us why the law enforcement profession is worthy of admiration and respect.

But let us do more than remember. Let each of us purpose to follow their lead and join them in exemplifying the noble nature of our profession. And may we do so, may we uphold our department’s tradition of service, not merely for the praises of men; but with a heart’s desire to bring you honor and glory. I ask for Your hand of mercy to be upon each of us—with the hope that you will draw each of us closer to You. Amen.