As prisoners are released to make space in our overcrowded prisons, our prisons needed to see a revival.
And here’s why: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me. Matthew 25:34-36 The Message (MSG)
Such a direct command from Jesus at such a desperate time for our prisons here in the UK should not be overlooked but instead be a clarion call to prayer.
As 1,700 prisoners are released early from prison recently due to the overcrowding issue we have so much to be praying for. Before we start praying for revival in our prisons, let’s pray for:
- Protection around the communities those prisoners are returned to.
- For the released prisoners to be mentored and supported when they return to their communities.
- That the criminal gangs won’t use this as a motivation to steal more and create more sadness.
- For the church to be mobilized to pray and then to act in how it should serve these communities on this issue.
It’s a little-known fact that before the pandemic prison numbers were falling. Most long-term stats and projections point to a prison population of between 95,100 and 114,200 by 2027 here in the UK currently it’s at 97,000.
These numbers can seem daunting, but we serve a mighty God.
Prison Fellowship believes that all people are created in God’s image and that no life is beyond God’s reach. Founder Charles Colson was fond of saying, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” They believe that Jesus offers hope, healing, and a new purpose for each life. He can make even the most broken people and situations whole again, replacing the cycle of crime with a cycle of renewal.
And where does this start… through prayer.
At Prison Fellowship, they are seeking dedicated and talented people with a passion for Jesus who are ready to seek justice, love mercy, and restore hope. It’s a career with a mission.
Now we might not be able to join this ministry or go into prisons or even feel we have the skill set to befriend a prisoner when released but we can all pray.
- For Jesus to break through in the lives of prisoners, especially in the lives of Gang Leaders in jail.
- For Prison staff to also be impacted when they see someone turn to Christ. Someone that before had been a gang member.
- For Christians to be called into the prisons to minister and pray with offenders.
Right now, prayer is our greatest weapon on so many issues that are taking place in our world. But as we pray let’s be direct and specific when we pray. Let’s listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and be guided by the love of our Father in Heaven who wants none to perish.
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Lord Jesus impact the hearts of men and women in prison, who are in gangs. Show them a new path, new road and a new life with you. One that can leave behind crime, drugs and violence. Holy Spirit, we pray for wisdom and insight into how we pray for prisons, prisoners and prison staff. Inspire us to pray. Encourage us by showing how even the hardest offender can find freedom and redemption through the name of Jesus Christ. Amen
Paul Fenton is part of the Communications team at the World Prayer Centre.
