With so many men and women in our prisons wanting to be free from the life of crime in which they feel trapped, there are enormous opportunities for the gospel. And, of course, there are many pastoral needs, too, not only amongst those serving a prison sentence but also within their families.
Those who wish to pray daily through the month may like to follow the monthly plan below and perhaps also pray specifically for one or two prisons.
| 448 | 1st | for those who feel no remorse for the hurt and pain they have caused. Pray that they would begin to recognise the impact of their crimes upon their victims and upon their own families – and will choose to turn away from crime. |
| 449 | 2nd | for those in prison for the first time and feeling anxious, that they will receive appropriate support from officers and chaplains. |
| 450 | 3rd | for the men and women recently released and with a history of reoffending, that they will have the support they need to break that cycle. |
| 451 | 4th | for those who are grieving and for those who are concerned for loved ones who are facing death, that they might draw comfort and strength from God and His Word. |
| 452 | 5th | for those who have received a serious health diagnosis, that they will receive strong pastoral care and support and turn to the Lord for His comfort. |
| 453 | 6th | for vulnerable women due for release shortly, that they will receive effective support for as long as it is needed. |
| 454 | 7th | for the men and women grieving the loss of custody of their children – and perhaps feeling guilty for failing them – that they might turn to God for comfort. Pray for the children. |
| 455 | 8th | for the recruitment of officers and staff where needed; pray for the staff in those prisons who are working under considerable pressures. |
| 456 | 9th | for chaplains and volunteers who are leading Bible study groups; pray that the men and women will be responsive to God’s Word. |
| 457 | 10th | for all officers who have been victims of a serious assault recently. Pray for their healing. |
| 458 | 11th | for the Lord’s help to volunteers engaged in letter writing, that their letters will bring comfort and encouragement to the men and women who receive them. |
| 459 | 12th | for the Lord’s wisdom for chaplains as they provide pastoral support to the residents, especially those who are deeply troubled, e.g., by anxiety, guilt, shame and grief. |
| 460 | 13th | for security staff, as they work to make their prison more secure, especially by preventing drugs and other illegal substances and items getting into the prison. |
| 461 | 14th | for the protection of officers working on the landings. Pray for healing for officers currently off sick as a result of injury or stress-related illness. |
| 462 | 15th | for agencies working to protect children and young people from alcohol and drug abuse |
| 463 | 16th | for ‘rehabs’ (and especially for the Christian ministries), that, through their programmes, many men and women will overcome their addiction and that many will also commit to follow Christ. |
| 464 | 17th | for probation staff, community chaplains and all who support men and women on release from prison. Pray that the vulnerable will get the help they need to prevent them from reoffending. |
| 465 | 18th | for families grieving the death of a family member while in custody |
| 466 | 19th | for the protection of children whose lives have been dominated by the criminal activity of one or both parents. Pray that they will be kept free from crime themselves. |
| 467 | 20th | for churches which have a dedicated ministry to ‘ex-offenders’, that they will have sufficient volunteers to give time to mentoring and supporting the men and women referred to them. |
| 468 | 21st | for families impacted financially by imprisonment and for organisations such as Christians Against Poverty who support them through practical care and advice. |
| 469 | 22nd | for those who have turned away from the faith they once held, that their time in prison will lead to a firm commitment of their lives to Jesus. |
| 470 | 23rd | for those who are suffering from mental illness, that they will receive the care and treatment they need. |
| 471 | 24th | for believers with a strong faith, that the Lord will sustain them and use them to encourage other Christians and as a witness to other residents and to staff. |
| 472 | 25th | for those who have come to faith while in prison: give thanks to God and pray that they will grow in their faith with support from other Christians. |
| 473 | 26th | for the men and women who will be released over the next few weeks , especially those without a family to support them, that they will get suitable accommodation and support from agencies. |
| 474 | 27th | for all believers who are witnessing to Christ, that the Lord will grant them wisdom and boldness. |
| 475 | 28th | for the men and women who are fearful about the future, that they might turn to Christ and find hope, both for this life and for eternity. |