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?

They do not see me Lord, but you do.
They do not hear me Lord, but you do
My mental health is waning, my despair increasing, I feel like no-one cares, but you do.
I hold onto your every word of the bible, as they renew my mind
I praise you Lord!
Have mercy on my soul! Grant me favour, with the officers, with the courts and with probation.
Bless my family members and keep them safe, until we meet again.
God, you are wonderful! Thank you for those who visit me when I am lonely. Amen 14

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. 20

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, we thank you for the life you have given us today. We thank you for the never ending love you give to us. We pray especially for our brothers and sisters through this lonely time – may you be with them and protect them. May you watch over their families and show them your love. In Jesus name, Amen. 12

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. 16

Lord, I give thanks for those who give of themselves daily and who, without hesitation, put the needs of others before themselves. It is with your love and sacrifice for us that so many are able to achieve so much to help others and following your example that inspires people to overcome obstacles that may get in our way. Lord, I pray we will continue to aspire to lead good lives and aim to be more like you. Amen. 17

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.

Every day I pray for the strength to continue to live through this pain, the pain of separation from my beloved, the strength to hold my children safe as they struggle to comprehend what has happened to us . I pray for the signs to guide our family through this experience with love and compassion , so that we all grow and flourish with the wisdom that is part of the Divine plan that holds us all safe. I pray that I will understand how to use this experience for good and transform the pain to joy in the future, I pray to let go of distress and find acceptance in the peace that miracles will replace all grievances, for therein lies the peace of God. Amen 4

Hear me Lord, I pray, in this place I have to stay
I need forgiveness from you to me, cause my sorrow only you can see.
I’ve done wrong, no going back, I’ve got to stay
Forgive me and know I’m ashamed inside.
I want to go forward, no sins to hide.
To those I’ve hurt I’m sorry deeply from my soul and heart
To those I’ve left behind, please, let’s make a brand new start. Amen. 28

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.

I was down and thinking of behaviours before
I decided to let go, let God heal and restore
I’d done drugs, sex and violence in the past to cope
But they all left me empty , and no feeling of hope,
When I read through the scripture, something happens in me –
I want to do good things and be with God’s family.
You can’t change the past, but the future you can-
If you’re looking for hope, then God has a plan. Amen  10

God, I ask for your help today, that you continue to lift me up despite my circumstances, that you light the way, so I can walk close to you. Father I ask that you guide me to your secret place within; that place of serenity and peace where you dwell. Lift me from the darkness and pain towards salvation, that I can be your beacon and guide others to your light and freedom. Amen. 21

I need to let go of pain and torment so I can let God do what he needs to do so I can love His son and Holy Spirit. Please pray that I will truly believe in every word of God, in my heart, mind and soul. Thank you so very much, Amen. 24

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. 30

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. ”  23

Dear Lord, please bless us with a knowledge and understanding of you, give us the clarity to understand your plans for us, and the strength to resist the temptation that life puts us to the test with, so that we may live in an righteous way, devoid of sin and to learn by any sins we may mistakenly make in order to not repeat them in the future so our spirit may grow in a way that brings us closer to you and give us the strength to help our fellow men. Amen 27

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.

Dear God, I hear your kind words of comfort and reassurance that you want me to prosper and not be harmed. help me not to worry about my life, but to put my trust in you, to be happy and full of hope, love and gratitude. Amen. 9

We hope people see that you are the Truth, Way and the Life.
You are the Light that makes the future bright.
We hope that divisions between rich and poor are no more.
We hope for peace and no more war.
Hope that people set themselves the goal of understanding.
Hope is the anchor of the soul.
We hope Lord that you help us with our sinful ways.
So we can have bright future days.
Hope for peace and hope for the future. Amen. 19

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. 32

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!

We find peace in a broken place. God’s grace can give you new strength. My wounds you heal. Lord Jesus, how great you are! They control the locks, you Lord control the clocks. Time will pass and we will be free. Amen. 22