The Christian Police Association (CPA) has pleaded with followers of Jesus Christ to fervently pray and support police officers who are dealing with violent confrontations as widespread riots stirred by extremist groups continue to cause mayhem in cities across the U.K.
The riots, believed to have been instigated mainly by right-wing extremists, but also involving some left-wing groups, began after the horrific murder of three girls who were stabbed to death in a children’s holiday club in Southport on Monday, July 29.
Bebe King (6), Elsie Dot Stancombe (7) and Alice Dasilva Aguiar (9) tragically died in the murder spree after attending a Taylor Swift themed dance class in a community center. Another 10 youngsters were seriously injured.
A 17 year old teenager, not named for legal reasons, has been arrested and charged with three murders, and 10 counts of attempted murders.
Reports say right-wing groups instigated riots by incorrectly linking the arrival of an immigrant to the deaths, with reports of violent protests so far in Southport itself, as well as Aldershot, Belfast, Birmingham, Blackpool, Bristol, Hartlepool, Hull, London, Liverpool, Manchester Nottingham, Plymouth, and Sunderland.
Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, told the BBC that terrorism offenses are being considered for some of the arrested rioters.
Police officers have been in the firing line as rioters burnt cars and damaged buildings including mosques and pubs, leaving some officers injured.
Reports say 6,000 public order officers are ready for further rioting in the days ahead.
Meanwhile the U.K.-based CPA sent an exclusive comment to Christian Daily International, pleading for believers to pray for police officers during this period of unrest in the nation and to practically support and encourage them.
The statement was signed by Deborah Akinlawon QPM, CPA executive director and Tony Gale, executive support manager.
The CPA cited Sir John Stevens, a former Metropolitan Police Commissioner who was recently asked during a meeting with church leaders what he needed from them. In response, he said, "I need three things from you: Prayer! Prayer! Prayer!"
The Bible says the “effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much,” read the CPA statement, and went on to list a number of specific prayer request.
“Please intercede for the officers and staff who everyday are standing in the front line having all sorts of items thrown at them, are being abused and insulted everyday, for no other reason than doing their jobs. For their safety, wellbeing and for their worried families waiting at home.
“Pray for strength as many are called back on duty, doing double and triple shifts, missing out on time with their families.
“Pray for healing for those who have been injured during these riots, mental and physical. Pray for police leaders and politicians for wisdom to make the right choices in these situations.”
The CPA referenced 1 Timothy 2:1-4 as putting “beautifully” God’s heart for believers to prayer for those in authority and “why this is good, because He (Jesus) longs for everyone to embrace His life and return to the full knowledge of The Truth.”
Prayers for unity and peace to return to the nation was another request, alongside the eradication of hatred and prayers for “love for one another to return."
“Pray for all emergency services involved, ambulance people and paramedics tending to the injured, firefighters putting out deliberately set fires meant to harm. Pray for their safety.”
The CPA also suggested practical ways for local churches to support police - going to a police station “with a box of donuts” and asking “how you can serve those who are serving us.”
“How can we 'wash their weary feet'? They are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers just like us,” read the CPA statement.
“Send cards, letters of thanks to stations. When you see an officer on the street, say 'hello,' say 'thank you,' ask, 'how are you'?
“Allow your churches to be places of refuge and peace that they can come to as a place of safety.
“Be Jesus to every officer. Love them.”
The CPA also prepared the following prayer that could be offered at this time of social tensions:
“Lord God. At this time of unrest, we ask for your Spirit to bring unity to our communities. For those who feel anxious, scared or intimidated – we ask you to fill them with your peace. For those who feel unwanted, abandoned or alone – we pray that you would fill them with your love. For those who feel in despair – we ask you to bring your hope.
“We pray for all emergency workers at this time. For the police officers charged with keeping people safe and maintaining order; for the paramedics caring for those who are injured; and for the fire fighters responding to acts of arson and vandalism. Protect them from harm. Help them act with courage in the face of aggression and with restraint in the face of hostility.
“We pray for our politicians and community leaders. That they would have the wisdom to know how to bring our communities together at this time in hope, love and reconciliation.
“We pray for those causing disorder on the streets, that they will turn from darkness and hate, to be responsible upstanding citizens of their country.
“Fill this land with your spirit of peace we pray.”
