Churches Criminal Justice Forum

Reflections, meditations and Prayer

PRAY FOR PRISONERS ~
But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. ~ Psalm 86:15

May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die. - Psalm 79:11

PRAY FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS ~ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. - Mathew 9:36

The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother. - Proverbs 29:15

PRAY FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME ~ I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me. - Psalm 69: 29

Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress ~ Psalm 107:6

PRAY FOR PRISON & COMMUNITY CHAPLAINS ~ The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. - Psalm 37:30

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love. 2 John 1:3

PRAY FOR VOLUNTEERS IN PRISON MINISTRY ~ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"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.

PRAYING FOR OUR GOVERNMENT LEADERS

"I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

PRAY THAT OUR LEADERS WILL

Love the Truth:
"Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you." Psalm 25:5

Have Wisdom:
"Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts." Psalm 119:98-100.

Display Courage and Integrity:
"He who walks blamelessly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out." Proverbs 10:9.
"The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them." Proverbs 11:3.

Be Sharp In Insight and Quick in Discernment:
I have better understanding and deeper insight than all my teachers, because Your testimonies are my meditation. Psalm 119:99

Surround Themselves With Good Staff Members and Advisers:
"Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers." Psalm 1:1.
"If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked." Proverbs 29:12.
"For by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors." Proverbs 24:6.

Enjoy God's Protection Over Themselves and Their Families:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though the waters of it roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling." Psalm 46:1-3