How to Bless Fire Equipment
Blessing fire equipment is a sacramental way to grant protection. In the Protestant and Catholic faiths, praying over people and objects are ways to communicate with God and ask for direct blessings. The work of firefighters is an extremely dangerous profession, and blessing both workers and equipment provides a religious means of requesting a safety only God can provide. Anyone from firehouse chaplains to community members can bless firefighters and equipment.
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Instructions
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Remove hats or headgear. Bow your head and close your eyes to show reverence to God. Kneel down and fold your hands in front of you. Join hands if more than one person is praying or blessing together.
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Pray the Catholic Blessing of an Object, if appropriate to the situation. Repeat the words: "Let us pray to our Father in heaven, who has given us this fire equipment for our use." Remain silent for several moments. Complete the blessing with these words: "Blessed are you, Lord God, king of the universe: you have made all things for your glory. Bless this fire equipment and grant that we may use it in your service and for the good of all your people. Father, we praise you through Christ our Lord. Amen!"
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End the blessing session by praying directly for the firefighters, suggests Fire Prep. Repeat the Firefighter's Prayer, (author unknown), word-for-word: "When I'm called to duty God wherever flames may rage give me strength to save a life whatever be its age. Help me to embrace a little child before it is too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert to hear the weakest shout and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my neighbor and protect his property. And if according to your will I have to lose my life, bless with your protecting hand my children and my husband or wife."
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References
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