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Weekly worship prepares congregations for the work of the week ahead in many different jobs and places. We all carry different burdens throughout the week and are given different tasks. This series of prayers written by Calvin University faculty and staff for people working in various professions can be adapted to fit the different occupations present in your congregation. As a Christian liberal arts institution, Calvin University prepares students not only for their different fields of calling, but to live as agents of renewal and citizens of God’s kingdom in their everyday work and living.
Consider using these prayers over several weeks. They are meant to be prompts and are not all-inclusive. If there are professions in your congregation that are not named here, consider writing your own prayers, acknowledging that we are called to offer all parts of our lives to God.
Lord, the scriptures bear witness to your love and mercy for those imprisoned. In Genesis, you were with Joseph in the king’s prison and “showed him steadfast love”
(Genesis 39:21). In Psalm 107, you saved those in prison when they cried out to you. In Luke, Jesus proclaims, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. . . . He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives” (Luke 4:18). In Hebrews, we are told to “Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3). And Mathew’s gospel tells us that to visit the prisoner is in fact to visit Jesus himself (Matthew 25:35–40). And as you care for all those who are incarcerated, we too are called to care for those imprisoned.
So we pray for those who are in prison. Though separated from family, friends, and community by fences, razor wire, and iron bars, we pray, O Lord, that you would draw near to them. Extend to them your love and mercy, assuring them that they are not alone. Let them know that nothing can separate them from your love, and that your desire for all people, not only those in prison, is reconciliation, restoration, and new life. Holy Spirit, open the hearts and minds of all those incarcerated to the freedom you offer: true freedom in Jesus Christ. Break the bonds of shame and guilt, the feelings of worthlessness, despair, and hopelessness. Fill the hearts of all those behind bars with a sense of God-given purpose and convince them that life is not over, but can begin anew in and through Jesus Christ.
We also pray, dear Lord, for all those who work and serve in our prisons. We pray for safety and well-being for custody officers. Their work is not easy. It can be fraught with antagonism and violence. Give them strength for their labor. Bless their families, who so often deal with stress and frustration taken home from the workplace.
Give prison staff and administrators wisdom and guidance in their work. Move them always to work for the rehabilitation of prisoners, the well-being of officers and staff, and the good of society.
Bless the healing work of those providing health care, including mental health. Let them know that their work is not in vain but brings much-needed relief in a challenging environment.
Bless, Lord, those who minster or volunteer in prisons. Keep them safe and give them courage and strength for their work. Guide them to be people of compassion, good news, and joy.
O God, you are a God of justice and mercy. Let your justice and mercy flow through our prisons, our courtrooms, our neighborhoods and communities, and our country. We give you thanks for all the ways you bless those who are in prison and for those who work and serve in our prisons.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
