Grief. Ps 22:1 My God, my God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning.

Dear Lord, we bring to you those in particular who have lost loved ones, those who have seen the impact of  Covid19 directly in their own families, those who have not been able to see loved ones because of the restrictions and those, particularly in our own congregation, who have not been able to get the medical treatment they need because of the pressure on the medical services, caused by the pandemic. Amen.

Support/Help. Matt 25:40 The King will reply ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me’.

Father God, thank you for the work of all Prison Chaplains. During this past year many have gone well beyond what had been expected of them. Sustain and strengthen them, bless their families and may they be encouraged in their service to you. In the name of Jesus our saviour, Amen.

Lord Jesus, we praise you the Servant King, who willingly gave up your life that we might live. We pray for all at this time who offer up their lives in the service of others. Particularly we remember those working within prisons, who despite their isolation and the difficulties of the environment, continue to offer care and compassion to those who are held in custody. Protect them daily in their tasks and fill them afresh with your Holy Spirit. Amen

Acceptance. Eph 2:3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.

Heavenly Father, we have all fallen short of the glory of God, have mercy upon us. Draw us close to you, so that released from fear and anxiety about ourselves we may know your comfort, and in so doing be able to be a comfort to others. Amen

Letting Go. Heb 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Father God, whose strength is made perfect in our weakness, draw near to those who are living with the consequences of past decisions. Surround them with kindness so they know they are accepted for who they are. Give them eyes to see the assurance of your wonderful forgiveness and show them the next step to a life of freedom in you. We ask this in the wonderful name of your son Jesus who treated people he met with such dignity and acceptance. Amen.

Letting God. Eze 36:25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.

Heavenly Father, I lift all those in prison today, no life is beyond your reach. Come to those who don’t know you and cause them to start seeking you. Thank you for those who do know you, in whom your heart resides; as they go through this day and cross paths with others, cause them to stop and listen, and show your great love to those they encounter. May we all make time for the lost and hurting today. Amen.

Hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord ’plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Lord, we think now of the precious women in prison, some are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmas; and each one matters to you. Thank you God that your love remains the same and they are continuously on your heart. We pray HOPE will arise from their brokenness. May they see your light in the darkness and know you have good planned for them, your beautiful ones. Meet with them we pray, Amen.

Promise. Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Heavenly Father, we pray that your peace would descend on this place, releasing all from the bondage that imprisons them. That they might experience your light and understand, maybe for the first time in their lives, how loved and precious they are to you. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen