Diocesan News13 Nov 15

Bishop Harold Encourages Prayer During Prisons Week

The primary aim of Prisons Week (15–21 November) is to pray for and raise awareness of the needs of prisoners and their families, victims of offenders, prisons staff and all those who care.

“In Down and Dromore we are very aware of the issues and needs highlighted by Prisons Week,” says Bishop Harold. “The diocese has chaplains in both Hydebank Wood and Maghaberry Prison and our Mothers’ Union does wonderful work among the female prisoners in Hydebank Wood. I realise, of course, that not all of us can volunteer but all of us can pray and so I encourage people to make use of the Prisons Week resources from 15–21 November.”

The theme this year is ‘A New and Living Way’. Hebrews 10 tells us that by God’s will, “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all”, and that his body has become a curtain, through which we can enter his presence and begin a new and living way.

Let us pray, this Prisons Week, for all people affected by prison, that we will walk this new way, this new life, so that with confidence we can come together as God’s people, companions on the way, to spur each other on and encourage the good in us, whoever and wherever we are.

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

Download the prayer leaflet here