The second Sunday in October isPrisons Sunday and marks the beginning of a week of prayer for our prisons andall those connected with them, running through to next Saturday.
Prisons Week has taken placefor forty years, with Christians praying for the needs of all those affected byprisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities,those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who areinvolved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of ourprisons.
The organisers of the week say:Prisons Week raises awareness and generates prayer. It motivates volunteersto step forward and give their time and gifts, in prisons and in their owncommunities. It provides an annual focus and reason for Christians to worktogether, building capacity and motivation to make a difference for people whoare out of sight and often out of mind.
Each day of the week, a newprayer brings into focus a different group affected by prison or criminaljustice. Churches and individuals are also asked to reflect on what they mightdo or offer as part of their response, through the range of Christian agenciesand charities involved in supporting Prisons Week. Find out more at http://prisonsweek.org.
A prayer for Prisons Week:
Lord, you offer freedom to allpeople.
We pray for those in prison.Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love prisonersand their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been woundedby the activities of others, especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another.
To act justly, love mercy andwalk humbly together with Christ in His strength and in His Spirit, now andevery day.
Amen.
