Prisons Week - praying with communities

Prisons Week

THURSDAY: PRAYING WITH COMMUNITIES–

Spirit of God, who dwells within people and places, help us magnify your kindness and goodness to overcome ignorance, alienation and hostility, to be able to see each other as people created and connected in God’s image. Humble us by your power that we might have the courage to come together, physically distanced but united in purpose, called by name to serve God and our neighbours. Pour your gifts upon us, so that we can fulfil your trust in us to do our part, that your kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven.

United in prayer, we bring ourselves and offer our lives 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)

(photo courtesy of Mauro Mora at Unsplash)

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)