POINTERS FOR PRAYER and THANKSGIVING
April 2021
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April 2021
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Pray we may soon come through the difficult times of Covid-19
and return to more normal life both in prison and in the community
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and return to more normal life both in prison and in the community
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1 Betrayed and given a mockery of a trial, Jesus is condemned to death with the crowds shouting "crucify him" - so different from the shouts of "hosanna" only a few days earlier. Pray for prisoners who may be hearing about this for the first time maybe via a leaflet due to lack of association.
2 At this difficult time let us turn our eyes on Jesus who was abandoned by his friends and mocked by the crowds. Even as he was dying on the cross he called out "Father forgive them...." 3 We remember today - Sabbath - that Jesus was laid in someone else's tomb and the disciples were confused and wondering what to do. Pray for those who today may be feeling confused and at the same wanting to know more about Jesus. 4 Sunday A time to rejoice - even as we go through these dark days. The Lord is risen, death has been defeated. Yes - Jesus who died to pay the price of our sins is now alive. Millions of lives have been changed for ever as a result. 5 Pray that ways may be found in these days of prisoner isolation for this amazing forgiveness truth still to be able to be shared in the prisons. 6 Pray for Community Chaplains/Resettlement co-ordinators and mentoring schemes whose work is seriously impeded. 7 Pray for wisdom for decision makers as, due to Covid-19 restrictions it can be difficult to effectively address some of the mental and other health issues of prisoners. 8 Give thanks for churches that are willing to welcome ex-offenders on release from prison with all their different needs and associated risks. This can be more difficult with churches needing to comply with restrictions such as social distancing. 9 Pray that prison staff will be able to keep doing their often difficult task of prisoner supervision etc. whilst struggling with pandemic related issues. 10 Pray for prisoners here in the UK who may be locked in their cells all day and all night with very little time out of cell and sometimes with no purposeful activity. 11 Sunday. Pray for prisoners who would normally be able to go to the chapel today that some way may be found to minister to them in their isolation. 12 Pray for people being released from prison – especially if they have no money, no job prospects because of their criminal record and nowhere to live. They can find it very difficult to cope without some help and support. 13 Pray for the national chaplaincy leadership responsible for prisons in England and Wales - especially that the Christian chaplains working at the "sharp end" will be encouraged and fully supported in their work in these difficult times with Covid-19. 14 Pray for the families of prisoners and ex prisoners as they return home. All kinds of emotions can be experienced. |
15 Pray for prison health care departments attending to many different needs from problems caused by addiction and poor lifestyle choices to Covid-19 challenges.
16 Pray for the holistic prisons ministry of our partners Justice for All PF Ethiopia [JFA-PFE] that the good news may continue to be shared in word and deed. 17 Pray and give thanks for the efforts of JFA-PFE to distribute Covid-19 protective items, including liquid soaps, masks and other items to prisons. 18 Sunday Pray that as Covid 19 restrictions are eased that a return to gathered worship in prisons will be able to be implemented and joyful singing allowed once again. For those attending, this can be such a bright contrast to the rest of the week! 19 In these uncertain times pray for the Ethiopian volunteer medical teams who have been visiting prisons in the past as part of the Prisons Medical Project. 20 Pray for parole boards and all those involved at this time as they make decisions affecting the release of prisoners. 21 Pray that prisoners will be made aware of Emmaus Bible School and others providing Bible Study opportunities by correspondence. 22 Pray for relatives of prisoners - particularly parents and children - at this time of enforced isolation. 23 Pray for children in prison with their mothers, including Twinkle of Hope in Ethiopia and that appropriate focused support can be possible in these difficult days. 24 Pray for the children of prisoners including those being cared for in Ethiopia under the REFUGE scheme at a time when many places are on lockdown. 25 Sunday Pray for prisoners in the isolation of their cells on a day which would normally have a good deal of association time including opportunities for worship. 26 Pray for prisoners whose grandparents have died and who cannot go to the funeral. Often grandparents are the only stable influence in their lives. 27 Pray for the Justice Sector as it becomes increasingly difficult to administer justice through the courts. 28 Pray that volunteers who support ministry in prisons in many ways but have been unable to do so during the pandemic will soon be able to return and continue their valuable work. 29 Pray for those unjustly or inappropriately in prison throughout the world – some denied a fair trial or any trial at all. 30 Pray for each other as opportunities to meet for prayer or arrange information talks are all on hold. . __________________________________________________________________________ THE LORD SETS PRISONERS FREE Psalm 146:7 |
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Twinkle of Hope and REFUGE
PROJECTS CARING FOR PRISONERS' CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA
In these difficult times when many normal activities are struggling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
please pray for these projects that can make such a difference not only for the children but for the whole family.
The Twinkle of Hope Project with its focus on meeting some of the needs of young children who are in prison with
their mothers. These needs include providing improved diet, education, health care, accommodation, sanitation etc.
This project is prison specific so that every child in the prisons where it operates is included.
With the committed help of UK sponsors arranged through this Trust, the REFUGE project aims to provide much
needed holistic support in the community for children with parents in prison.
Twinkle of Hope and REFUGE
PROJECTS CARING FOR PRISONERS' CHILDREN IN ETHIOPIA
In these difficult times when many normal activities are struggling as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
please pray for these projects that can make such a difference not only for the children but for the whole family.
The Twinkle of Hope Project with its focus on meeting some of the needs of young children who are in prison with
their mothers. These needs include providing improved diet, education, health care, accommodation, sanitation etc.
This project is prison specific so that every child in the prisons where it operates is included.
With the committed help of UK sponsors arranged through this Trust, the REFUGE project aims to provide much
needed holistic support in the community for children with parents in prison.
