For Prisoners

MERCIFUL God whose Providence is over all Thy works, and whose Love embraces Thine erring children; remember for good all who have been judged guilty under the law in our courts of justice; all who suffer the penalty for wrong doing in the house of bondage; all who in mind, body, and soul bear the bitter consequences of crime. Amid the austere justice of man, open in their souls springs of comfort; visit them through Thy Holy Spirit with mercy, sympathy, pardon, and peace. Let Thy Divine compassion awaken in them the desire to return unto Thee in the spirit of meekness and godly sorrow. Teach them, O Father, that no sin is beyond Thy forgiveness; that no wound of the soul is too great for Thy healing power. Banish from them alike the spirit of impenitence and of despair. Lift their eyes from their shame and misery, and fix them on the gift Thou art offering them — a new self, free from self-reproach, beautiful with the grace of a restored innocence, and full of the promise of better things. Fill their minds with good thoughts and their hearts with pure longings. Let Thy Spirit breathe within them new resolves, and let all who love Thee, help and strengthen the penitent in his struggle to amend. And, O Lord, if there be any in the gaols and prisons of the world, who suffer wrongfully through the ignorance or malice of men, we pray for them. May they never say, "My way is hid from the Lord and the justice due to me is passed from my God," but committing their cause to Thee, may they in patience wait for the day when Thou shalt establish their integrity in the eyes of all men. Amid outward distress, let them enjoy Thy peace, the peace of a quiet and innocent mind. Accept our prayers and answer them for Christ's sake. Amen.