In 1952, Congress set aside the first Thursday in March as a National Day of Prayer, calling for people of all faiths to pray for our nation. The theme for the 2016 National Day of Prayer on May 5 is “Wake Up America,” and is based on Isaiah 58:1.
As we pray for our leaders, Prison Fellowship encourages our supporters to also “remember the prisoner” and to lift up all who have been impacted by crime and incarceration. We pray for victims of crime, and for families that struggle when a parent is absent. We remember those who work in corrections, that they might be guided by both justice and mercy as they seek to restore the men in women in their facilities to society. And we remember our lawmakers, that they display the wisdom to enact meaningful reforms that will have an impact on both individual lives and the culture at large.
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater works; prayer is the greater work.” Christian missionary and author Oswald Chambers’ words remind us that while we are called to be faithful and obedient in service to Him and to our neighbors, it is ultimately God who brings about changes in heart and soul. As Christians, our first calling is to bring all things to the foot of the cross of Christ, trusting in His goodness and mercy, and asking for Him to reveal to us how we can extend that love and compassion to others. Not to do so is not just to fail in preparation, it is to miss the point entirely.
For those that spend their days in the trenches—working on behalf of prisoners and their families, lobbying for policy changes, and providing opportunities for men and women as they leave incarceration—a day of prayer provides a necessary re-centering. We are comforted that results are not our responsibility, but God’s. We remember that even as He loves us, He longs for all to return to Him, and actively seeks out the lost, rejoicing when the wayward sheep enters the fold. And we rejoice that all earthly powers are under God’s authority, and that we need not put our trust in princes.
Through prayer, God transforms our hearts, allowing us to see the prisoner as He sees him—as an individual of eternal worth for whom He died. Prayer also reminds us of our own sinful condition, and the grace that allows us to forgive, even as He has forgiven us. And it empowers us to go forth in service, knowing that the Holy Spirit goes with us, interceding to the Father on our behalf.
Prison Fellowship offers several opportunities to come alongside and pray with us. If you would like to sign up to pray for specific requests at a time of your choosing, join our prayer team community. You can also sign up to receive a monthly prayer letter via email here. And if you have prayer requests you would like to share with Prison Fellowship staff, we would be happy to lift them up to God on your behalf.