Five Days of Prayer: Day Five
A prayer for the Church to welcome returning citizens
Dear Lord,
You call the Church to be Your hands and feet to serve the world and to make disciples of all nations. Forgive us for the times we do not extend our hands in welcome to the newcomers at our churches. Forgive us for the times we do not welcome the stranger in our midst. Forgive us for the times we judge or gossip about those in our communities and in our own churches who are accused and convicted of crimes. Forgive us for forgetting about them when they are behind bars. Forgive us for fearing them when they are released.
Lord, help us to remember our brothers and sisters behind bars so we may walk with them. Let us encourage them to rebuild their lives as redeemed people. Give us the courage and commitment to help them and their families by reaching out to them with messages of concern and encouragement.
Bless the staff and volunteers of jail and prison ministries as they build the Church behind bars, preparing our brothers and sisters to return to their communities as people who are whole and healed from their past lives of sin. Finally, Lord, help us to welcome the stranger and the returned citizen when they come to our houses of worship. Help us to assure them that we will be there for them. Help us to live with the knowledge that we are all Your children in need of Your grace.
Amen.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
“My church’s love and support for me never wavered. During my time in prison, I’ve heard countless stories of people who were turned away by their church upon their conviction. This makes me especially grateful to my church family for exhibiting the love which Christ commanded we have for one another.”
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ways to get involved:
ENROLL A STUDENT
Do you know someone in prison who would benefit from Crossroads? Enroll them here.
BECOME A MENTOR
Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of people in prison as a Crossroads mentor.
DONATE
Your gift brings the hope of Jesus to men and women in prison.
A gift of appreciation
As a gift of appreciation for joining us in prayer, please accept a copy of our 24-day prayer journal.
The prayer journal will introduce you to people behind bars whom you can pray for by name as you reflect on the challenges they face in turning their lives around.