A PRAYER FOR THOSE IN THE PRISON SYSTEM

Dear Lord in Heaven bring us Your true justice. Christ in the darkness, we repent for moments when we take justice into our own hands, and for times when we are driven by revenge, and forgo Your restorative justice. We know that those in our prisons have often lived in difficult circumstances. We understand that they are deceived by evil, but they are not evil. We pray for their victims, family, and all who are affected by their crimes. Dear Lord God, bring restoration and peace to their lives. We ask that You guide those who are in charge of their detention and those who determine the outcomes of trials and appeals. Help them make decisions that are fair and pursue restoration. We also pray that You would be present with people in the criminal justice system who are being sentenced or awaiting a case review. We ask for Your hand in all cases, both fair and unfair, just and unjust. We ask for You to bring your reconciliation and strength. We ask that you help all of us break the cycles of sin that leads all of us to stray from Your Word and Your Way. May Your angels reign down on us to guide us to Your Truth and Restoration. Amen

A PRAYER FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE IN PRISON

God of seen and unseen struggles, Christ in all things we pray for all those in our prisons whose mental health is a constant battle. We lift up those who are visibly troubled, and those who struggle in the dark. In moments of grief. May they know your compassion. In times of depression, may they know your nearness. When faced with addiction, surround them with your grace. Bless those who work to lighten those burdens, and may we be compelled to do likewise. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES OF PEOPLE IN PRISON

God of love, Christ in community. We lift up to you the families and loved ones of those in our prisons: For mothers and fathers, separated from their children. Sons and daughters, unable to see mum or dad. Partners distanced from those that they love. Friends deprived of companionship With visits less able to take place, we pray that God would strengthen: marriages, relationships, partnerships, families and friendships. Bless the people who facilitate these vital connections between those separated by prison walls. May our eyes be opened to the needs of those in our prisons. Amen.

A PRAYER FOR THOSE IN PRISON PRAYING FOR RELEASE

God of liberation, Christ with your oppressed sons and daughter, we pray for all those in our prisons, who are moving towards their release; into a lower category prison, into supported accommodation, and into society. For those whose release is imminent, we pray for guidance, as they navigate a new life and reconcile the old. For those whose release is seemingly unattainable,we pray for hope. As monotonous days pass by, May they see the possibility of change, and be supported in their transformation. Bless all those who support those released from prison. Who bring guidance, wisdom and care in such uncertain times. May we too, be part of creating a society, That helps foster restoration for all those released from our prisons.

Amen.

A PRAYER FOR OUR WIDER SOCIETY

Dear Lord in Heaven, God of all, Christ in all. We pray for our ever-changing world. We pray hat your continued flow of light and love, would bring healing and restoration to all of your sons and daughters. As we continue to navigate the changes to our society, due to the devil’s influence, politics, and challenges. We particularly pray for those whose lives have been influenced by prison life. We ask your Grace to reign down on those who are affected by crime, the victims, the accused, and the inmates. We also ask for your help and healing for those who are reintegrating into the outside world as they come to terms with new levels of freedom. We pray for wisdom and discernment as they continue their journey of transformation. As those who are being released we ask them to come to terms with new responsibilities and we pray for the right support around them. We ask their victims to find forgiveness and to find healing in Your Way and Your Word. Lord please Bless those in our world dealing with struggles, may we better see how You love all people, no matter what they may have done. You continue to show all of us grace and compassion, even though we all fall short of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

PRISON PRAYER

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those who are in prison. We ask you to break the bonds of the enemy's deceit, as well as the fear and isolation that exist that plague those who are living life in sin. Lord, please support your people with your love: prisoners, their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the activities of others, especially the victims of crime. Help us to forgive one another, To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly together with Christ in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day.

Amen.