Global Prayer Team

Last week, we received this note:

Dear Stephen,

I especially enjoyed your message this morning. I use your sermon manuscripts when I present devotions in the county jail near where I live. I plan to add this sermon to the list.

Join us in praying for inmates in county, state, and federal prisons. We send free resources to prison inmates upon request. Several of them receive our monthly magazine. Many more receive manuscripts or even books. Many inmates have given their lives to Christ and are now being discipled with our biblically faithful resources.

Pray that God will keep this door open. Many facilities have tight restrictions on what inmates can receive. Pray that God would continue to grant favor and allow us to continue this outreach ministry.

Here’s more information to help you as you pray for inmates:

The United States has one of the largest prison populations globally, with over 2 million people incarcerated in various facilities, including federal and state prisons, as well as local jails. Many inmates struggle with a range of complex issues, such as addiction, mental health, and a history of trauma, which can contribute to their involvement in the criminal justice system.

Here are five ways Christians can pray for inmates who need to know God and grow in their faith:

1. Spiritual Awakening: Pray for a spiritual awakening among inmates, that their hearts would be receptive to the message of the Gospel and the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Ask God to open their eyes to the hope and freedom found in a personal relationship with Him.
2. Access to Christian Resources: Pray that inmates would have access to Bibles, Christian literature, and other resources that can help them grow in their faith and understanding of God's Word. Pray for Wisdom International and other prison ministries and chaplains who provide spiritual guidance and support to incarcerated individuals.
3. Community and Fellowship: Pray for the development of strong Christian communities within prisons, where inmates can find encouragement, support, and fellowship with other believers. Pray that these communities would be a source of strength and hope for inmates as they navigate the challenges of prison life.
4. Healing and Restoration: Pray for the emotional, physical, and spiritual healing of inmates, many of whom carry deep wounds and traumas from their past. Ask God to bring healing and restoration to their lives, enabling them to find true freedom and wholeness in Christ.
5. Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Pray for effective rehabilitation programs that address the root causes of criminal behavior and help inmates develop the skills and resources they need to successfully reintegrate into society upon release. Pray that they would be able to maintain and grow in their faith, even in the face of potential challenges and temptations that may arise as they transition back into their communities.