Praying today... with the families of prisoners

Prisons week

WEDNESDAY: PRAYING WITH FAMILIES –

Spirit of life and light, walk with us through the confusion and pain of lives forever changed by crime and imprisonment.

Give us the strength to bear feelings of anger and betrayal; and to cope with the unfamiliar and frightening.

Show us how to bridge the gulf which keeps us apart, revive relationships and bring reconciliation.

Take our fears away and give us peace, that we can know that we’re not alone.

United in prayer, we bring our sadness and our hopes as we say together, Our Father ...

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)

Prisons Week - for further information…

(photo courtesy of Jordan Whitt at Unsplash)

Prayers for today for the victims of crime...

UNITED IN LOCKDOWN, united in prayer….

Together let us pray, let us act and let us declare to one another – YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Today join us as we pray for the victims of crime

Comforter Spirit, ease the distress and suffering of those whose lives are locked down because of crimes committed against them.

Move through others to bring reassurance that they are not alone, physically or in the depths of their souls.

Unlock doors that reveal a path of healing through hurt and injustice to a more peaceful place, where trust and confidence can be gradually restored. United in prayer, we bring our wounds as we say together.

And pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Amen

For further information and how to get engage in this vital week of prayer:

(photo courtesy of Callie Gibson at Unsplash)

Praying today for prisoners...

Continuing with our prayers for Prisons Week….MONDAY: PRAYING WITH PRISONERS

Spirit of grace and truth, we ask for your constant presence through the days, weeks, months and years of imprisonment. For your steady refusal to be shut out by cell walls, steel doors or reluctant and stubborn hearts. Break through the fear and isolation, shatter all pretence and deceit, guide our thoughts and actions, setting before us the example of Jesus the prisoner. Bring us face to face with the unlimited and sacrificial love of God for all his children, so that we can know we are not alone.

United in prayer, we bow our heads to say together, Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

[From Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV)]

(photo courtesy of Marco Chilese at Unsplash)

Prison week is supported by:

Prison Sunday - United in lockdown

Today is Prison Sunday. There will be lots of activities and events taking place today. For example, our very own Rev Bob Wilson (Secretary for Prison Chaplaincy and Free Churches Faith Adviser) will be leading an act of worship which will be on National Prison Radio - this will be broadcast into thousands of prison cells today. Prison Sunday also marks the start of a week of prayer hosted by Prisons Week.

We are invited in, from our churches and homes.. wherever we are today.. to pray now and throughout the week ahead. The powerful materials and film which has been made to support the week of prayer can be found here. As we pray together throughout the coming days ahead, we will be invited to share the Lord’s prayer at the close of each prayer offered, as an act of solidarity and unity.

The theme this year is United in Lockdown.

Let us pray…

THE PRISONS WEEK PRAYER

Lord, you offer freedom to all people. We pray for those in prison.

Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.

Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care. Heal those who have been wounded by the actions 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.

You can download the flyer for the week ahead and pray with us throughout the coming days…

(photo courtesy of Jordan McQueen at Unsplash)

United in lockdown

United in lockdown - this is the theme for the week of prayer hosted by Prisons Week (11th -17th October).

Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester, Church of England Bishop for Women’s Prisons writes, “Prisoners know all about lockdown in ways which are far starker than the ‘stay at home’ experience people have lived during the viral pandemic. However, beyond the walls of prison people of all ages have had to learn how to navigate uncertainty and many people feel fearful, bewildered and out of control. In past months there was a loss of freedom to be with loved ones, even when at the point of death. For some people there has been overwhelming pain and sadness. Some people have felt lonely and isolated whilst others have longed for space away from other people. All of this is experienced within the walls of prisons 365 days a year.”

You can get involved and download the poster and prayer sheet here. There is also a deeply moving film which has been made for sharing and marking this week of prayer - You are not alone.

Rt Revd Rachel Treweek goes on to say, “This Prisons Week as we pray for all those connected with the criminal justice system in any way, including all prison staff and families of prisoners as well as prisoners themselves, let us not talk of social distancing but rather of physical distancing. Let us pray for social connection and restored relationship and an openness to the generous love of God who longs to draw close to every individual person, treasured and known by name. We pray that amid both places of brokenness and beauty there might be a discovery of inner freedom and peace which is rooted in the love, hope and peace of God revealed in Jesus Christ and present through the power of the Holy Spirit, never locked down.”

(photo courtesy of Paul Garaizar at Unsplash)