Firefighter Graduation, 2018

I had the honor and privilege to give the invocation and benediction at the November 24, 2018 graduation of the Jefferson Parish Firefighter Class 2/18 at the Jefferson Parish Sammy P. Lazzara Fire Training Center.

The graduates include two of our own David Crockett firefighters: Skyler Goodwin and Brian Gueringer - who were presented their graduation certificates by Chief Michael Labruzza.

Here are my prayers:

Invocation

In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Lord God, Heavenly Father, it is our privilege to gather here on the happy occasion of the graduation of these firefighters to celebrate their achievement and to pray for their continued advancement and safety in the Fire Service.  With gratitude for this holy vocation, we pray Your continued blessing upon them, upon their families, and upon the people and communities You have placed them into. 

May their training better equip them to serve You and those whom they are called to serve, and finally, O Lord, we pray that we may be ever grateful for their tireless, selfless, and heroic service.

In the name of Jesus, with whom You live and reign in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Benediction

O God, the source and sustainer of all life, we thank You once again for the blessings You so freely bestow upon us.  We are bold to seek Your divine protection upon these firefighters and upon us - even as we vigilantly pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who are at this moment risking life and limb - especially in California.

Dear Lord, be with them, protect them, and bless them, in the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.