Visit The Prisoner

VISIT THE PRISONER

a prayer to open

Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

May your Kingdom come, may your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

Prisoners are a group our society pushes away or places in cells, throwing away the key. They are deemed the bottom of the barrel when it comes to humans in a culture. After all, they are in prison for bad behavior, sometimes murderous and violent conduct. Yet in Jesus’ view, they are worthy of love and care and compassion. They, like the rest of us, can be redeemed, made whole, made clean by Jesus. They are not to be forgotten but remembered and visited. In Jesus’ parable about the final judgment, he says of those destined for eternal life, “I was in prison, and you visited me” (Matthew 25:36).

Close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in a favorite, familiar spot. Get comfortable there, listening for sounds, seeing what is around you. Then imagine Jesus next to you or across from you, looking into your eyes and then saying these words: “Remember those in prison. How would you want to be treated if you were there? Make a visit.”

• What would you do today if you allowed Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:36 to guide you? What would you stop doing today if you allowed his words to guide you?
• What doubts arise as you think about visiting a prisoner? What fears or worries surface when you consider Jesus’ words applying to you?
• Who do you know in prison or who has a family member in prison? Take a few moments to ask God to show you what he’s calling you to as far as remembering and visiting the prisoner.

Father, I can’t imagine the pain and suffering of those in prison. Soften my heart so I can empathize with the deep hurt that must sit within them as they live behind bars and face whatever wrongs they have committed. I pray for their healing and wholeness. Open a door for me to visit someone in prison, and help me be a peaceful and loving presence. Amen.