MEDITATION:
Written by Terry Solley, a contemporary field minister caring for men on Texas death row. This is an excerpt from the book “Exiles.”
In 1995, transformation began to take place inside the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola – one of America’s bloodiest prisons. The prisoners there were blessed by a godly warden, Burl Cain, who felt responsible not just for their correction and safety, but also for their souls. Led by God, Warden Cain established the first accredited seminary inside a prison. Then something phenomenal took place: the men of Angola began to pray, not merely for themselves and their families, but for the prison where they lived. Two decades later, Angola is one of the safest prisons in the world and a glaring example of what the Lord will do when people, incarcerated, begin to seek His face for the prosperity of their place of exile. As God commanded the Israelites to do during their seventy-year captivity in Babylon, and as the prisoners of Angola mirrored, we must seek the welfare of the “city” where we have been exiled. We must pray for the prisons where we live. When those of us inside these walls begin to pray, the impossible becomes possible: lives are transformed, men are saved, and prison culture is radically changed. If you want to see those around you saved, start praying. If you want to see the violence decline, start praying. If you want to see parents restored to their children, start praying. If you want to see God do the impossible right where you are, start praying! What happened at Angola can happen in any prison. All it takes are men and women who are bold enough to start praying. So, what are you waiting for? Start Praying.
PRAYER:
Written by Sarah Swindall, a contemporary pastoral intern.
Heavenly Father, you are sovereign over all, giving justice and proclaiming liberty to the captive. You were with Joseph when he was imprisoned in the king’s jail. Your spirit visited Paul during his incarceration. And you sent your son, Jesus, to proclaim good news and freedom. God, we ask you to be with all those who are incarcerated today, for those living out sentences, and those awaiting trial or bail. Let your spirit of peace and comfort be upon them. Amen.
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