Are we free to work well?

Are we free to work well? This question is posed on behalf of those working in prisons…

Prisons can be places of challenge and struggle, not only for those who are serving sentences, but also for those who are working in prisons, as chaplains, officers and support staff… Prisons can also be places of hope, connection and rehabilitation. Today we pray for those working in prison, continuing the theme of Freedom… what does freedom mean to you and are you free?

Are we free to work well?

Friday’s prayer for Prisons Week

Gracious God, who calls, equips and knows us, be with all who work in prison. May we not lose heart in a place where the reality of trauma and the risk of violence is a daily occurrence. Keep us from being imprisoned by our roles but instead set us free by your love, able to meet with others and understand their true needs in Christ. Tune us in to the surprising movement of your Spirit. Gracious God, set us free. Amen.

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“We ask that you bless and protect all

who work in our prisons today.

Those with uniforms on, suits, overalls,

hard hats, and chef’s whites.

May we serve them well and rely on your strength to bring a sense of

your grace and peace wherever we go.”

A Prison Chaplain’s prayer

Prisons Week is a small charity which faithfully relies on sponsorship and donations to continue its work. Want to find out more? Able to make a donation to the vital work of Prisons Week?

(photo courtesy of Jonny Swales @ Unsplash)

Praying with communities

Thursday’s prayer for Prisons Week.

PRAYING WITH COMMUNITIES

Are we free where we live?

Let us pray

Everlasting God, who leads his people in every age to places where we are called to be community together, make us mindful of those places in our own communities that are subject to fear, violence and rejection. Equip us by your Holy Spirit to share your love, peace and acceptance with all. May we learn to love each other as ourselves, living as neighbours were intended to and join our prayers together. Everlasting God, set us free. Amen.

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“We ask that you knit our hearts, our vision & our actions together across our community

that we may all be totally free to live life abundantly in your love.”

Prayers for communities affected by Domestic Violence

(photo courtesy of Vincent Camacho at Unsplash)

Why was our freedom taken away with theirs?

Why was our freedom taken away with theirs? This is a heartfelt and compelling question for families who have a relative in prison.

A few years ago, I had the honour of taking part in A Hidden Sentence course facilitated by the prison charity PACT (The Prison Advice and Care Trust). It was a thought provoking programme to be part of. This course was developed and named from a phrase that PACT have so often heard from prisoners’ families as a description of how their lives can feel - a hidden sentence. It was challenging and inspiring to be part of this training; I am heartened to see that Pact are going from strength to strength in their work and are a key sponsor for Prisons Week.

Today’s prayer is praying with families…

Faithful God, who watches and waits with those who are betrayed and suffer; draw near to family members who are affected by crime and imprisonment. Give us your strength to persevere through pain and disappointment, soothe our anger and heal the wounds of separation and loss. Help us to know your grace to find forgiveness and hope for the journey ahead. Faithful God, set us free. Amen.

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“To my Son I miss U and I pray to God you won’t come back here again.”

“God, I miss my Daddy. Try to help him. Please bring him home.”

Prayers from prisoners’ families for Prisons Week

(photo courtesy of Ben White @ Unsplash)

Sara Iles, FCG website support

Breaking the bonds of fear and isolation...

Break the bonds of fear and isolation… this is a plea and a prayer to almighty God, for those who are in prison. It is part of the Prisons Week prayer.

During this week, churches and communities are praying for those who are in prison and those affected by crimes. The theme for Prisons Week this year is What does freedom mean to you? And are you free? and is inspired by the reassurance and promise we find in Holy Scripture in Psalm 111:9 (NCV): ‘He sets his people free. He made his agreement everlasting. He is holy and wonderful.’

The prayer for today starts with asking us this question…. Is freedom found outside the walls or inside ourselves?

How would you answer this?

Through the amazing work which our prison chaplains do, and with all the prayer and support that we can give from our churches, we can be active partners with God to…. 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.

PRAYING WITH PRISONERS - Holy God of all creation, you see inside each one of us, knowing us better than we know ourselves. You see the hurt and harm, the brokenness and sin. You know the truth about our past and our present, all that traps and imprisons us. Unlock our hearts to let Christ in, so that his love and strength can help overcome all that imprisons us and lead us to the freedom he promised in life, in death and in eternity. Holy God, set us free. Amen.

“Take me prisoner, Lord

And truly set me free;

Help me lay down my sword,

Then victorious I shall be.”

A prisoner’s prayer for Prisons Week

(photo courtesy of Hans Eiskonen @ Unsplash)

Reaching out - a partnership approach during Prisons Week

The Free Churches Group are key partners, along with many other Christian groups, who support and sponsor Prisons Week.

For forty years now, Prisons Week has prepared prayer literature to enable the Christian community, through individuals and churches, to pray for the needs of all those affected by prisons. You can find out more about Prisons Week and make a donation to their vital work here.

Join with us, partners agencies, wider groups and churches from across the UK as we reach out in prayer, during Prisons Week.

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

There is prayer for each day throughout the coming week - share in your churches and groups.