By Revd Philip Wales
“… I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” – Matthew 25.35–36
Administering justice, the ways we protect people, hold others to account, and maintain social order, is a complex and challenging area of our societal life. Each year my attention is drawn to Prisons Week, a time of focused prayer which, this year, occurs between 12-18 October.
During Prisons Week we are invited to pray for prisoners, their families, and the victims of the crimes they have committed, as well as all those working and involved in the justice system. As we pray throughout the week we walk, metaphorically speaking, with all those affected. Our hearts will be, rightly, drawn first to those who have suffered because of the actions of others. Victims’ and their families’ need for justice, support, and healing is central. Yet we are also called by Jesus to pray for prisoners themselves. Through doing so we recognise that God’s transforming love is the only power which can break cycles of harm, bringing healing to victims and transforming the lives of offenders.
Christ identifies Himself, as we read in Matthew’s Gospel above, with everyone in need, not just those we are inclined to help, but also those who are marginalised. By definition this will include those we may privately wish to veer away from thinking about much, if at all. Yet Jesus reminds us often that, whoever we are, no matter what we may have done, we are each made in the image of God and so, loved by Him.
This year is the 50th anniversary of Prisons Week. The initiative got underway in 1975 with a group of prison chaplains and other Christians who wished to raise awareness of the spiritual and practical needs of prisoners. Since then it has grown into a broad ecumenical coalition of churches and charities. And in this anniversary year Prisons Week is being generously supported by Unchained. The theme is “God’s Word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2.9). This reminds us that prison walls are no barrier to God’s transforming love. The poet and broadcaster Lady Unchained (Brenda Birungi) has spoken beautifully about what this means:
Sometimes, only in the darkness can we see His light. Where we can find forgiveness for ourselves and others, turn pain into strength. And those who speak out create maps to the journey of healing, educating us to the flaws of this world.
For God’s Word is not chained. It penetrates through darkness, through cages, metal doors, high walls. And can capture even the coldest of hearts. His Word and love is not bound. It always runs free.
An extract from God’s Word is Not Chained by Lady Unchained (2025)
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Prisons Week Prayer
Lord, You offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those in prison.
Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with Your love,
prisoners and their families,
prison staff and all who care for them.
Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others,
especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another,
to act justly, love mercy,
and walk humbly together with Christ,
in His strength and in His Spirit,
now and every day.
Amen