Welcome

An old country song about old age echoes Jesus’ words from our gospel reading for the Sunday of Prisons Week: ‘So if you’re walking down the street sometime and spot some hollow ancient eyes, please don’t just pass ‘em by and stare, as if you didn’t care, say, "Hello in there, hello."'

Looking into the eyes of those who are struggling, wherever they may be, can be difficult – perhaps it’s the look of hunger or thirst, isolation or vulnerability, of being trapped or in pain. But Jesus tells us of the importance of stopping, seeing (not just looking) and attending to their needs – and to remember that in so doing we are also ministering to Him.

When we, beginning in prayer, decide to look into the eyes of those affected by the reality of prison, we also see into the eyes of our Lord, and our response to their struggle is transformed.

For over thirty years Prisons Week has prepared prayer literature to enable the Christian community, through individuals and churches, to pray for the needs of prisoners, their families, victims of crime and the many people who are involved in caring for prisoners. You may find it of interest to look at some of the themes that have been highlighted over the years by viewing the past leaflets included in the resource library.

The Prisons Week 2011 Prayer Leaflet is now available to download or order. More online resources for Prisons Week 2011 will be available very soon.

Patron Commendations

“One of the most serious aspects of being in prison can be the sense of isolation and even abandonment; and one of the most effective witnesses that can be given to prisoners is the assurance that they are not forgotten. ‘When I was in prison, you visited me’, says Jesus and this tells us two things – that Jesus is already with those in prison, as he is with all who live in loneliness (including the loneliness of self-reproach or self-hatred); and that he is waiting for us there. I hope and pray that this year’s Prisons Week will help us all to connect with the Jesus who waits for us in prison, and that those undergoing imprisonment will feel confident that they are accompanied in prayer and compassion by the Lord and his servants.”

+ Rowan Cantuar
Archbishop of Canterbury

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“I am delighted to support Prisons Week once again and I strongly encourage Christians to think about, pray for, and act for all those affected by prisons during this special week in November.”

The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols
Archbishop of Westminster

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“One of the most difficult things we can humanly do is to stand alongside someone in different circumstances to ourselves.
Few of us can understand the isolation, loneliness and hopelessness of prison. And this not only affects those within the prison system but their families, their victims, and those who work there. Judges and police too, often work alone and the responsibilities of directly and justly deciding the future of another human being must weigh heavily on them. Christians rejoice that Jesus himself shares that same sense of imprisonment, and that he walks alongside all who live in loneliness. This Prisons Week is a chance to identify in prayer with those who need compassion and understanding, those whose lives have been broken through their own mistakes and the deeds of others. I commend this Week in a spirit of freedom, recalling always that Jesus came to proclaim liberty to the captive and freedom to those imprisoned.”

+ Barry Cambrensis
Archbishop of Wales

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“I am privileged to send support of Prisons Week 2010. 'Be With me' is a prayer of faith and a reflection of God's promise to His children that he would be with us wherever we are. God's presence is within every circumstance and often when we find ourselves in situations in which we feel hopeless and helpless, we become aware of God who comes with both hope and help. As we focus our prayers on those who find their lives confined by law or by outcomes of lawlessness and for those committed to bring help and care, we pray that God's presence and resources of love, mercy and justice would bring hope. The Salvation Army has long been committed to coming alongside men, women and children who lives are broken and confused and from our heart we would want to reach out in love to those whose lives need renewing and rebuilding.”

Elizabeth A Matear (Commissioner)
Moderator of the Free Churches Group