The Power of a Prisoner’s Prayer

Incarcerated men and women often face destructive influences. But when prisoners become part of a prosocial, Gospel-centered culture, life behind bars can look a lot different.

Troy is incarcerated at Nebraska State Penitentiary in Lincoln, Nebraska. In fall 2019, he joined the Prison Fellowship Academy^®, an intensive, voluntary program replacing participants' criminal mindset and behaviors with renewed purpose and life principles. Using targeted curriculum, compassionate coaches, and uplifting community, the Academy leads people like Troy to become good citizens inside and outside of prison.

CREATING PROSOCIAL CONNECTIONS

Troy, who identifies as pagan, appreciates that the Academy is open to people of any faith or no faith at all. The program, while presenting a biblical perspective, creates opportunities for participants of any background to grow and flourish as they practice and develop new values.

In the Academy, Troy has worked hard to make positive changes in his life. He embraces the core values of the program—especially responsibility. He owns his past mistakes and has been faithful in developing his skills. A gifted visual artist, he is creating a business plan to market his artwork once he leaves prison.

Troy has also learned how to be a better father and husband. He found hope to improve relationships with his family, which seemed impossible earlier in his incarceration. Due to poor behavior in the past, Troy lost the privilege of receiving visits or emails from his wife and daughter for several years.

One day he approached John Byrne, his Academy manager, feeling frustrated and lonely for his family. Half-joking, Troy asked John if they couldn't just pray about the situation. John led them in prayer, asking that the prison would reconsider Troy’s request to contact his family.

Troy walked away not knowing what to expect.