With so many men and women in our prisons wanting to be free from the life of crime in which they feel trapped, there are enormous opportunities for the gospel. And, of course, there are many pastoral needs, too, not only amongst those serving a prison sentence but also within their families.
Those who wish to pray daily through the month may like to follow the monthly plan below and perhaps also pray specifically for one or two prisons.
| 448 | 1st | during this post-Christmas and New Year period there will be an even higher risk of self-harm. Pray that the vulnerable will be kept safe and staff will be especially alert to their needs. |
| 449 | 2nd | for those in prison for the first time and feeling anxious, that they will receive appropriate support from officers and chaplains. |
| 450 | 3rd | for the men and women recently released and with a history of reoffending, that they will have the support they need to break that cycle. |
| 451 | 4th | for those who spend extended periods in segregation because they are a threat to others. Pray for healing of the causes of their aggressive and threatening behaviour. Pray that, in their isolation, they might cry out to the Lord. |
| 452 | 5th | for those who are desperately lonely, without any contact from outside and feeling isolated within the prison. Pray that chaplains, officers and other inmates would make time for them. |
| 453 | 6th | for vulnerable women due for release shortly, that they will receive effective support for as long as it is needed. |
| 454 | 7th | for those who have nothing to look forward to at the beginning of this New Year, that they might discover the One who is their only hope of joy and contentment - and salvation. |
| 455 | 8th | that the Lord will use the Christmas booklet that was distributed, to draw many to faith in Christ. |
| 456 | 9th | pray for all who completed the Healing Through Forgiveness program in Zimbabwe (using BeaconLight’s Making Sense of Forgiveness book) in 2025. Pray that many will find healing from bitterness and resentment. |
| 457 | 10th | that many men and women held in police custody cells this month will read our Now What? booklet. Pray that the Lord will prompt many to enquire about the new life that Christ offers. |
| 458 | 11th | for the men and women who have recently been sent BeaconLight books, especially the unbelievers, that they will have a clear understanding of the gospel and respond to it. |
| 459 | 12th | for wisdom as we respond to letters from prisoners, especially those who are struggling with their faith or who have yet to commit to Christ. |
| 460 | 13th | that many men and women might respond to BeaconLight’s gospel message – and the offer of a book – in this month’s Inside Time (the paper produced for residents). |
| 461 | 14th | for the chaplains and pastors in the prisons in DRC, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, as BeaconLight delivers further quantities of our books this month. Pray for them as they distribute the books, as they lead groups and work with individuals. |
| 462 | 15th | for agencies working to protect children and young people from alcohol and drug abuse |
| 463 | 16th | for ‘rehabs’ (and especially for the Christian ministries), that, through their programmes, many men and women will overcome their addiction and that many will also commit to follow Christ. |
| 464 | 17th | for partners, grandparents and others caring for children in the absence of parents in prison. |
| 465 | 18th | for families grieving the death of a family member while in custody |
| 466 | 19th | for the protection of children whose lives have been dominated by the criminal activity of one or both parents. Pray that they will be kept free from crime themselves. |
| 467 | 20th | for churches which have a dedicated ministry to ‘ex-offenders’, that they will have sufficient volunteers to give time to mentoring and supporting the men and women referred to them. |
| 468 | 21st | for families impacted financially by imprisonment and for organisations such as Christians Against Poverty who support them through practical care and advice. |
| 469 | 22nd | for those who have turned away from the faith they once held, that their time in prison will lead to a firm commitment of their lives to Jesus. |
| 470 | 23rd | for vulnerable women due for release shortly, that they will receive effective support for as long as it is needed. |
| 471 | 24th | for believers with a strong faith, that the Lord will sustain them and use them to encourage other Christians and as a witness to other residents and to staff. |
| 472 | 25th | for those who have come to faith while in prison: give thanks to God and pray that they will grow in their faith with support from other Christians. |
| 473 | 26th | for the men and women who will be released over the next few weeks , especially those without a family to support them, that they will get suitable accommodation and support from agencies. |
| 474 | 27th | for all believers who are witnessing to Christ, that the Lord will grant them wisdom and boldness. |
| 475 | 28th | for the men and women who are fearful about the future, that they might turn to Christ and find hope, both for this life and for eternity. |
| 476 | 29th | for families (and communities) grieving the loss of a young person through knife crime. Pray for church leaders as they provide support. |
| 477 | 30th | for victims whose lives have been seriously impacted by injuries and trauma; pray for their healing and that they will be enabled to live fulfilled lives. |
| 478 | 31st | for victims who cannot forgive, that they would be enabled to put aside their anger and their bitterness and move on with their life. |