11 Powerful Prayers for the Incarcerated

Jail is just one of the places to find souls in need of redemption. Here are 11 powerful prayers for the incarcerated to pray for their situation, and prayers you can pray for someone who is incarcerated.

For Those Incarcerated

An Inmate’s Prayer for Obtaining Training
Almighty God, I trust that You are a good and gracious God who hears the prayers of those who pray with a faithful and contrite heart. I humbly ask of You to help me to be granted the opportunity to obtain training while inside these walls. Lord, use this time to reshape me and use me for good. Please open a door for me to be built up with additional skills and knowledge that will help me in the future. I praise You for Your grace. Amen.

An Inmate’s Prayer to Prevent Relapse
Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner and that I am in a lifelong war against the desires of my own flesh. When my sinful thoughts come upon me, help me to resist them. Give me protection from falling into relapse. Cause me to hate my sins, and instead to seek only after righteousness. Father God, guard me against the snares of the devil, and to stand firm against the temptations that I face. I set my hope on You, that You will uphold me. Thank You, God. Amen.

An Inmate’s Prayer for Safety
Blessed Creator, I am locked in a dangerous place. There are many threats around me, and many enemies who would hurt me. Please, God, I ask You to sustain me and help me to survive in this hostile place. I pray that You would grant me safe passage and blessing if it is Your will. If trouble comes for me, allow me to have the strength of the apostles during their own trials. I rejoice in You. Amen.

An Inmate’s Prayer for Emotional Strength
Holy Spirit, my emotions are frail, and I feel distraught. The burden of this confinement weighs greatly on me. I ask that You grant me the emotional strength to withstand the testing. Help me to find strength in the gospel, rejoicing in the fact that Jesus died in my place and conquered all my sins. Let me feel the peace and joy of the Holy Spirit, so that my heart may not be downcast during this imprisonment. Thank You for Your constant support. Amen.

An Inmate’s Prayer for Finding Gainful Employment
Almighty God, by Your will, a time will come when I will be freed from this place. I pray that You would grant me a path that leads to gainful employment. Help me to find a job that will cover my expenses and make me a productive citizen. Help me to see my work as a way that I may serve and honor You, regardless of who writes the checks. In the future, let me be known as a reliable and honest worker who is thankful for the jobs I am assigned. Amen.

For Those Praying From the Outside

Prayer for the Redemption of the Imprisoned
Dear Jesus, You are my Savior and my Redeemer. I know that whom the Son sets free will be free indeed. I ask that You grant salvation to [name]; that he/she might believe in Your gospel and have faith in Your name. Please mercifully grant repentance from sin and a new heart to love You. It would fill my heart with joy to know that You have redeemed another sinner, in spite of their sins. I pray this in Your holy name. Amen.

Prayer for the Provision of the Imprisoned
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your daily providence. I am grateful that You grant Your beloved children with help and relief when they call to You in faith. I pray that You would act in a special way to provide for the needs of [name], that he/she may find comfort and contentment with the things that You provide. I ask that You might be merciful to provide enough food, sleep, and rations to make this incarceration pass smoothly. Amen.

Prayer for the Faith of the Imprisoned
Lord Jesus, You sustain all things that exist. I ask You now to sustain the faith of [name], who is now in prison, and use this time of isolation to make their faith grow bolder and their testimony for You grow stronger. Use him/her as a messenger of the gospel to those who are also incarcerated. Let this trial be used for good and holy purposes, in a way that will make an impact for eternity. Amen.

Prayer for the Joy of the Imprisoned
God Most High, You are an infinite source of joy for those who love You. I pray that You would supply [name] generously with joy so that the praises for You continue night and day. I pray that he/she would experience the joy of the apostles, who sang hymns while locked in chains. I pray that the joy of Your servants would move the hearts of unbelievers and bring souls to You in faith. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Prayer for the Forgiveness of the Imprisoned
Jesus my Savior, I praise You and thank You for forgiving a wretch like me. Although I didn’t deserve Your mercy, You granted me Your righteousness and all the joy of heaven. I pray now that You would grant forgiveness to [name] for the crimes that were committed. May it be that those who were affected would show forgiveness. Please let me hold no grudge or lack of love. And most importantly, I pray that You would forgive his/her sins and make them as white as snow. Let all heaven rejoice when forgiveness is proclaimed. Amen.

Prayer for a Blessing in a Court Appearance
Blessed Father, I ask that by Your mercy You would grant [name] a blessing during the upcoming court appearance. I trust You with the outcome, and I believe that Your grace is sufficient. I ask only that You would be merciful, and that You would grant strength to bear the events that lie ahead. Grant wisdom to make good and Godly decisions and help us to honor You despite this humble situation. No matter what the outcome, I will give You praise. Amen.

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