PRAYING WITH THOSE WORKING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Prisons Week

SATURDAY: PRAYING WITH THOSE WORKING IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM –

Let us pray…

Spirit of wisdom and mercy, lead those responsible for exercising justice in the way of truth; bring discernment, fair minded judgement and a willingness to confront injustice as they consider the lives of others. In every role and place of work through the whole criminal justice system, guide and empower people to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with Christ in his strength and in his Spirit.

United in prayer, we stand before you Jesus, our Judge, Redeemer and friend 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)

Thank you for joining us for this week of prayer as part of Prisons Week!

Prisons Week - praying with those who are working in prisons

Prisons Week

Friday - praying with those who work in prisons

Spirit of refuge and renewal, be alongside all who are called to work in prisons. Give daily strength to serve courageously and faithfully through the continuing constraints of lockdown. Be present in the bringing of order, compassion, food, comfort, and humanity to all held in custody. Sustain and enable us in times of exhaustion and weariness through the sureness of your love and power.

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)

Amen

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)