Christians urged to pray in prisons week

 

The theme for this year’s Prisons Week is 'Can you see me or are you just looking?'. Looking into the eyes of those who are struggling, wherever they may be, can be difficult – perhaps it’s the look of hunger or thirst, isolation or vulnerability, of being trapped or in pain. But Jesus tells us of the importance of stopping, seeing - not just looking - and attending to their needs, and to remember that in so doing we are also ministering to Him.

 

When we, beginning in prayer, decide to look into the eyes of those affected by the reality of prison, we also see into the eyes of our Lord, and our response to their struggle is transformed.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has said that one of the most serious aspects of being in prison can be the sense of isolation and abandonment; and one of the most effective witnesses that can be given to prisoners is the assurance that they are not forgotten.

The service at Witard Road Baptist Church organised by the Chaplaincy teams from HM Prisons Blundeston, Bure, Norwich and Wayland will demonstrate that neither prisoners nor those who work with them are abandoned or forgotten. The guest speaker will be Michael Spurr, Director General of the National offender management Service (NOMS).

Event details Prisons Week Service Date: Sunday 20 November Time: 6.30pm Venue: Witard Road Baptist Church, Witard Road, Norwich NR7 9XD

 

  

 

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 actions 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.