Diocesan News20 Nov 14

Prisons Week 16–22 November

Prisons Week 16–22 November 2014, is a Christian initiative to pray for, and raise awareness of, the needs of prisoners and their families, victims of crime, prison staff, chaplains and all those who care.

We want to support and recognise this initiative in Down and Dromore as we have chaplains in both Hydebank Wood and Maghaberry. Our MU is also actively involved with the female prisoners in Hydebank Wood.

The theme this year is ‘Building hope’. Everyone needs a few words of encouragement. We grow stronger, we see things more clearly, and we achieve more. Justice surely hopes that there will be a sense of healing, a chance to see things differently, and a new future for all those affected by crime and imprisonment.

To achieve this we need each other, and in particular we need each other’s words of encouragement. This Prisons Week let us pray for all those affected by prison, that we may build a sense of hope in each other that life will in some measure be restored.

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.”
1 Thessalonians 5 v11 (Msg)

The Prisons Week Prayer

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

Further information, prayers and downloads about Prisons Week 2014 are available from the website www.prisonsweek.org