Praying for our prisons
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.
May we encourage you to pray for our prisons?
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.
November 2021
| 1st |
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. |
| 2nd |
for those overcome with guilt and shame for their crimes, that they might turn to Christ and know that they are forgiven and cleansed by His sacrificial death; |
| 3rd |
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; |
| 4th |
for those desperate to be free from drug and alcohol addictions, that they will receive appropriate support both in prison and on release, especially through ‘rehabs’; |
| 5th |
for those overcome with guilt and shame for their crimes, that they might turn to Christ and know that they are forgiven and cleansed by His sacrificial death; |
| 6th |
for those whose partner is wanting a separation. Pray that, as they grieve the loss of this relationship, that they might turn to God and draw strength and comfort from Him; |
| 7th |
for sex offenders, many of whom are overwhelmed with guilt, that they might come to recognise that they are not beyond God’s forgiveness. |
| 8th |
for Governors, for wisdom as they continue to manage the easing of restrictions and the controlled resumption of activities and groups. |
| 9th |
for all Christians working in our prisons, that the Lord will enable them to bring glory to God as they serve Him in what can be a hostile environment for those who are open about their faith. |
| 10th |
for healthcare staff, that they will be enabled to care with skill, love and compassion, despite all the demands upon them. Give thanks to God for them. Pray especially for Christians, that they might display Christ’s love to those for whom they care. |
| 11th |
for the protection of all officers and staff, that there will be no outbreaks of violence as restrictions are eased. |
| 12th |
for security staff, as they work to make their prison more secure, especially by preventing drugs and other illegal substances and items getting into the prison. |
| 13th |
for officers and staff who are feeling weary, that God will give them the stamina and energy they need to fulfil their duties and give them the willingness to go ‘the extra mile’ when needed. Pray that those taking holidays this month will enjoy rest and be refreshed. |
| 14th |
for chaplains as they plan and prepare all the Carol and Christmas services. |
| 15th |
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. |
| 16th |
for those vulnerable to bullying and intimidation, that they will be protected from those who would seek to harm them. |
| 17th |
for those who are grieving and for those who are concerned for loved ones who are seriously, or terminally, ill, that they might to turn to God and draw strength from Him and His Word. |
| 18th |
for men and women with confused beliefs; pray for wisdom for chaplains that they will be able to clearly communicate the truth of the gospel. |
| 19th |
for those who are suffering from mental illness, that they will receive the care and treatment they need; |
| 20th |
for those who consider themselves a Christian but only by tradition and ‘doing religion’, that they will encounter Jesus during their time in prison. |
| 21st |
for those who have been rejected by their family or have cut themselves off from their family, that they might receive emotional support. Pray for the Lord’s help to those who are longing to restore their relationships. |
| 22nd |
for partners, grandparents and others caring for children in the absence of parents in prison, especially with the closure of schools creating greater pressure on carers. |
| 23rd |
for probation staff, community chaplains and all who support men and women on release. Pray especially that the vulnerable (and those without family support) will get the help they need to prevent them from reoffending. |
| 24th |
for children taken into care as a result of one or both parents being in prison, that they will be healed from the emotional damage of losing their parents; |
| 25th |
for ‘rehabs’ (and especially for the Christian ministries), that, through their programmes, many men and women will overcome their addiction and that many will commit to follow Christ. |
| 26th |
for families impacted financially by imprisonment (and Covid) and for organisations such as Christians Against Poverty who are supporting them through practical care and advice. |
| 27th |
for men and women in dispute over access to, or custody of, their children. Pray for wisdom for those with the responsibility of making decisions in the best interests of the children. |
| 28th |
that more churches will commit to welcoming and supporting men and women on release from prison. |
| 29th |
for victims of abuse, that they will find the support they need to help their healing from their trauma; |
| 30th |
for victims whose lives have been seriously impacted by injuries and trauma; pray for their healing and that they will be enable to live fulfilled lives; |