Tradition also says that as an officer he organized a brigade to fight fires, and that he once put out a burning village with a single bucket of water. That’s how he’s painted, in Roman armour, pouring water on a burning building. Firefighters in Austria, Germany, Poland and America still wear his image, and the “Florian cross” has long been a symbol of the fire service.
Historical Context
There’s an old tongue-in-cheek German rhyme, the “St Florian prayer,” which asks him to spare my house and burn someone else’s instead. Germans still use “the St Florian principle” for not-in-my-backyard thinking. The real Florian, of course, gave his life for others.
A Prayer to St Florian
St Florian, you stood up for your faith when it cost you your life.
Protect our homes, workplaces and forests from fire.
Watch over firefighters as they answer every call,
keep them brave, skilled and safe,
and bring them home to their families.
Amen.
A Firefighter’s Prayer to St Florian
St Florian, go with me into the smoke today.
Help me find those who need rescuing,
and help me get them and my crew out alive.
Amen.
For a Home After a Fire
Lord, we’ve lost so much in this fire.
Thank you for the lives that were spared.
Help us rebuild.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 4 May, St Florian’s feast and International Firefighters’ Day.
- Before a shift at the firehouse.
- During wildfire season.
- When blessing a new fire engine or station.
Scripture Connection
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13
Florian chose to stand with fellow Christians rather than save himself. Firefighters make the same kind of choice every time they go in.
Related prayers
For firefighters, see the Fire Force Prayer and Prayer for Fire. For other first responders, the Paramedics Prayer.