The second Sunday in October is Prisons’ Sunday and marks the beginning of a week of
prayer for our prisons and all those connected with them, running through to next Saturday.
Prisons’ Week has taken place for forty years, with Christians praying for the needs of
all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their
communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are
involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons.
The organisers of the week say: “Prisons’ Week raises awareness and generates prayer.
It motivates volunteers to step forward and give their time and gifts, in prisons and in
their own communities. It provides an annual focus and reason for Christians to work
together, building capacity and motivation to make a difference for people who are out
of sight and often out of mind.”
Each day of the week, a new prayer brings into focus a different group affected by prison
or criminal justice. Churches and individuals are also asked to reflect on what they might
do or offer as part of their response, through the range of Christian agencies and charities
involved in supporting Prisons’ Week. Find out more at http://prisonsweek.org.
A prayer for Prisons’ Week
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.
Pray for all those in and connected with prisons, particularly HMP Hewell and Long
Lartin in our diocese.
Droitwich Deanery – Rural Dean: Wyn Beynon; Lay Chair: Janet Bryan
Province of West Africa: Archbishop Daniel Sarfo
Truro: Bishop Philip Mounstephen, Bishop Chris Goldsmith (St Germans)
Tönsberg (Norway): Bishop Jan Otto Myrseth
Strängnäs (Sweden): Bishop Johan Dalman
