We like to think that we have full control of our lives and that everything is according to our plans and choices. Unfortunately, the unexpected happens all the time, and only the Lord fully knows the plans that He slowly unfolds with each passing day. Whenever a medical emergency occurs, paramedics are one of the first to react, tirelessly working in a fast-paced, stressful environment to save lives and rescue those in danger. Oftentimes, they are the unsung heroes of the medical field—they are experts at first-aid and emergency treatment and are the first to treat injured patients or those who have experienced a sudden medical emergency—often long before they can reach the nearest hospital.
It may seem like a normal job to a medical hero who’s always flying to accident scenes and households in need, but it’s no easy feat. As daily challenges rise to test our faith and resolve, may this EMT prayer help find strength and calmness in times of chaos and stress.
EMT prayer
Our Mighty God and Father,
Wonderfully You’ve created me, and faithfully You’ve remained by my side through all of life’s trials. You’ve blessed my life graciously and abundantly. No words of thanks will ever be enough to compensate You for all the beautiful things I get to see and feel each day: the comfort of home, the love of family, the presence of friends, and even the success and satisfaction I get from my job, no matter how difficult my shifts can be.
Forgive me for all the sins I’ve committed; for all the times when I bit Your hand, which fed, protected, and blessed me beyond measure. Greed, pride, dishonesty, and ingratitude have stained my soul, yet I know that no vile thought nor action stands a chance against the tide of Your redeeming love. I place my faith and trust in You, O Lord, for it is only You, through the great sacrifice of Your son Jesus Christ who was nailed to the cross, that can wash away the stains of my sin and usher in my divine redemption.
There are many things I have to be grateful for, and one of my innumerable blessings is to be able to work in a field where I can touch the lives of others with kindness and compassion. Thank You for using me to reach those who are in desperate need of help. Through my hands, may they feel Your love and care. Through every whisper of assurance and safety, may they hear Your mighty voice telling them that everything will be alright.
My hands alone are not strong enough to take on the challenges that each day brings. My job may not be the easiest nor the most luxurious, but I take great pride in knowing that all that I do is honest work that glorifies Your name and the kingdom of Heaven. Grant me the wisdom, skill, and strength of heart and mind that I need to extend my help to the sick and the dying, who have faithfully put their trust in You and in me. May Your divine mercy and grace change the lives of others through me.
All these I pray in Your Most Holy Name. Amen.
Short paramedics prayer for God’s guidance
Almighty Lord, bestow upon me the gifts of wisdom, compassion, and courage as I start my day as a paramedic. Wipe away my exhaustion and guide my hands in every medical treatment I perform. Let me be a blessing to others and a channel through which You can extend Your grace to Your people. May my hands be used for goodness and healing and never for harm. Amen.
The Word of God
Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NRSVUE
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:2 NRSVUE
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael, heaven-blessed,
I come before your ethereal presence as a sinner and a disobedient child of God. Carry our cries for redemption and mercy to His ears, and join me in this paramedic prayer as I call on your divine protection and guidance. As I set forth to fulfill my mission to help God’s people, may you arm me with knowledge, focus, and determination. May you stand guard over me as I fulfill my duty and keep my family and me safe from any harm. Guide me and help me focus on the tasks at hand even when the stress and pressure rise. I pray for my family members and friends: may no misfortune, accident, or ill health befall my loved ones. I pray for the healing of those who are patients and victims of sudden illnesses, accidents, natural disasters, and other fatal emergencies. I pray for the calmness and peace of mind of their families and friends, who must be sick with worry and fear. In times like this, may you give them comfort and the assurance of protection and healing.
Saint Michael, pray for us. Amen.
Further reflection
What’s the greatest miracle in our life? Some might talk about their greatest achievement, or their most precious loved one. For those who have tasted despair and hopelessness, the greatest miracle is being here in the present moment, living and breathing and feeling and existing; and that life itself is the greatest miracle of all.
No matter how safe, healthy, or financially stable we are now, tomorrow is not a guarantee. Car crash victims would’ve never imagined their situation beforehand until they were seconds away from the fine line between life and death. People who suffer from sudden medical emergencies like heart attacks and strokes would’ve never imagined that their lives would take a turn for the worse, and chronically ill patients live in fear of what tomorrow may bring…if there’s even a tomorrow.
Being a paramedic gives a first-hand experience in emergency cases and the cruel, terrifying plot twists of life. Paramedics get to see how unpredictable life is truly, and that there’s only one thing we can do: to put our complete trust in God’s plan for us and place our faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus before it’s too late. With this paramedic prayer, may we find strength and courage as we face life’s daily challenges and plot twists and gain an appreciation of God’s mysterious but wonderful plan for us.
