For All Those Living in Prison and Their Families
Intercessor:
Let us pray for all who are affected by incarceration and for those who minister within prison communities, responding to each petition with, "hear our prayer."
Lord Jesus, you know what it is to be held captive. We pray for all who are imprisoned. Break the bonds of fear and isolation. Support them with Your love and grant them hope for the future. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We lift up the families of those incarcerated: parents separated from children, partners distanced from loved ones, and friends deprived of companionship. Strengthen their relationships and bless those who facilitate connections across prison walls. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We acknowledge the faith flourishing within prison walls. May the resilience and devotion of our incarcerated brothers and sisters teach us about Your boundless love and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Unite us as one body, sharing in our adoption by You, our loving Father. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We pray for prison staff and all who work within correctional facilities. Grant them wisdom, patience, and compassion as they carry out their duties. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We remember victims of crime and all who have been wounded by the actions of others. Bring healing to their lives and help us to forgive one another, acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Christ. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We pray for those preparing for release from prison. Guide them as they navigate new challenges and help society to welcome them, fostering restoration and reconciliation. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We ask for Your presence with those in the criminal justice system who are being sentenced or awaiting case reviews. In situations that are unjust, bring Your reconciliation and strength. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We pray for ourselves and the Church, that we may be instruments of Your peace, reaching out to those in prison with compassion and support. Lord, in Your mercy…
People:
Hear our prayer.
Celebrant:
Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask, help us to ask only what accords with Your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
People: Amen.