POINTERS for PRAYER and PRAISE
October 2021
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October 2021
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1 Pray that the changing regulations and advice concerning what can and what can't be done following the pandemic will be clear as they affects prisons.
2 Pray for elderly prisoners who have to cope with the reality of prison life as well as the rigours of old age.. 3 SUNDAY Pray that as covid-19 restrictions are relaxed and prisoners are able to attend services again that they will be able to cope with the new "normal" which may include how attendance at services can be facilitated as rules change. 4 Pray for volunteers who in normal times fulfil a variety of supportive roles in UK prisons that the process of returning after the restrictions will go well. They have been greatly missed by both prisoners and staff. 5 Pray for recently promoted staff that they may quickly be able to fulfil their new responsibilities competently. 6 Pray for victims of domestic violence – women, men or children – and that there would be support, counselling and justice available for them. 7 Pray for staff employed in Prison Reception departments as they interact with prisoners - especially those who may be coming into prison for the first time. 8 Pray for the safety of both staff and inmates. The 24/7 lockdown of prisoners in their cells in UK prisons during the pandemic, has revealed some serious mental health problems from unpredictable potentially dangerous behaviour to suicide. 10 Pray that during Prisons Week many churches will take part and that there may be an ongoing commitment to all the various prisons' ministry needs and opportunities. 10 SUNDAY First day of Prisons Week in England and Wales - a week of prayer for prisoners, victims, families, communities, those who work in prisons and for all working in the criminal justice system. 11 Pray for prisoners confined in their cells for long hours who are finding the isolation very difficult mentally. Sadly some have taken their lives. 12 Pray for the victims of crime that they may receive support and also find healing for their hurt and loss. 13 Pray for the families of prisoners through the confusion and pain of lives changed on account of their loved one's behaviour and imprisonment. 14 Pray for communities affected by crime and for the efforts of those working to demonstrate the love of God and overcome ignorance, alienation and hostility. 15 Pray for those working in prisons that they will be able to maintain order while bringing compassion, food, comfort and humanity to all held in custody. 16. Pray for those responsible for exercising justice - for discernment, fair minded judgement and a willingness to confront injustice. |
17 SUNDAY Pray for prisoners who respond to the gospel message and for their families who may be impacted in different ways by this life changing decision.
18 Pray for government ministers here in the UK and in Ethiopia as they try to address the issues of crime and punishment and that there may be a greater readiness to work for restorative justice with its potential to reduce crime. 19 Pray for the Ethiopian Chaplain Coordinators that all their needs will be supplied and the work continue unhindered as they work in often quite isolated locations and with the added problems of the pandemic and other issues. 20 Pray that ways appropriate to each establishment can be found during this pandemic for Alpha in Prisons, Christianity Explored and other initiatives to share the good news of Jesus with prisoners still to be available. 21 Pray for Prisoners in Ethiopia who have graduated in Bible Study that, as they live in the light of what they have learnt, their example will touch the lives of others. 22 Pray for those who are in prison on remand awaiting trial especially for any who may be falsely accused. Court hearings can be delayed by the pandemic. 23 Pray for prisoners who are seeking something to bring hope and meaning into their lives that they would be able to find it in Jesus. 24 SUNDAY Pray that ways will be found to enable services to take place safely in prison chapels.. 25 Pray for the Twinkle of Hope project providing much needed care & support for children in prison with their mothers in Ethiopia. 26 Pray for the REFUGE child care project providing support in the community - sometimes needing a "safe" house - for the children of prisoners in Ethiopia. 27 Pray for adequate funding for the ongoing Ethiopian projects such as Chaplaincy, Twinkle of Hope and REFUGE Child care 28 Pray for the ongoing prisons work both in Ethiopia and also in the UK with its increased pandemic related challenges that fresh opportunities may be found. 29 Pray for team members still trying in these restrictive days to share with church groups etc. something of the opportunities and challenges of prisons ministry. 30 Pray that prisoners who have mental illnesses would be supported appropriately and able to cope with the prison regime. 31 Pray that the gospel message will be heard loud and clear in prison and out of prison that many will know the freedom and peace that only Jesus can give. _____________________________________________________________
Pray continually Thessalonians 5:16 |
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PRISONS WEEK (England and Wales)
Once again this year in England and Wales there is a week specially set apart to pray for those affected by imprisonment. The dates are 10 to 16 October. Click here to download more information including the 2021 Prisons Week Prayer video.
At this time there really is a lot of need. Some of the terrible and dangerous conditions in our UK prisons have been featured on the news. Violence affecting both prisoners and staff low staff levels in overcrowded prisons as well as self harm and suicide. To try to draw attention to this challenge to health and safety. PLEASE PLEASE PRAY!
On the Sunday at the start of Prisons Week there is an overarching 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 activities
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.
and then each day there is opportunity to focus on distinct aspects of the penal system.
Monday: For those who are prisoners
Tuesday: For victims of crime
Wednesday: For the families
Thursday: For our communities
Friday: For those who work in prisons
Saturday: For all working in the Criminal Justice system
Click here to download more information including the 2021 Prisons Week Prayer video.
PRISONS WEEK (England and Wales)
Once again this year in England and Wales there is a week specially set apart to pray for those affected by imprisonment. The dates are 10 to 16 October. Click here to download more information including the 2021 Prisons Week Prayer video.
At this time there really is a lot of need. Some of the terrible and dangerous conditions in our UK prisons have been featured on the news. Violence affecting both prisoners and staff low staff levels in overcrowded prisons as well as self harm and suicide. To try to draw attention to this challenge to health and safety. PLEASE PLEASE PRAY!
On the Sunday at the start of Prisons Week there is an overarching 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 activities
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.
and then each day there is opportunity to focus on distinct aspects of the penal system.
Monday: For those who are prisoners
Tuesday: For victims of crime
Wednesday: For the families
Thursday: For our communities
Friday: For those who work in prisons
Saturday: For all working in the Criminal Justice system
Click here to download more information including the 2021 Prisons Week Prayer video.
