St. Anthony Catholic Church Novena prayer for the Imprisoned
Day 1 For the spouses and children of those incarcerated Heavenly Father, we ask for the gift of consolation and hope for the spouses of incarcerated persons and for mercy for the little ones who are separated from their parents due to imprisonment. Grant them the graces that they need to live, day in and day out, without the physical presence of their spouse and parent. May they take refuge in knowing that nothing can separate them from your Fatherly love and compassion. If there is need of healing in their marriage, may this difficult time in their lives be one of purification and reconciliation. Grant the mothers and fathers in prison the grace to love their children from afar, and to do what is needed to be reunited with them. Holy Family, pray for all children and spouses of the incarcerated. Amen.
Day 2 For forgiveness and reconciliation for the offended and the offender St. John Paul II, you forgave the man who tried to kill you, and the mercy you showed him planted a seed that led to his conversion. Pray for all of those who have been hurt by the imprisoned, that they would receive the grace to forgive their offenders, and pray that those in prison would be able not only to receive mercy, but to extend it to others as well. Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us.
Day 3 For ministers and counselors who serve those in prison Lord, we thank you for those who dedicate their time and emotional energy to the important work of prison ministry. Bless them for their efforts, strengthen them in their resolve to love the men and women they serve, and renew their emotional and spiritual resources so that they are able to continue to do this work. Amen.
Day 4 For those sentenced unjustly Lord Jesus, you know very well what it is to be accused of a crime you did not commit. You know what it feels like to be betrayed by your closest friends — by those you came to love, to serve, and to save. We pray that all of those who have been accused and imprisoned unjustly would experience a profound intimacy with you, and know the consolation of uniting their suffering with yours. Amen.
Day 5 For the reform of justice systems and for an end to racial and cultural discrimination
Lord, have mercy on us for our lack of commitment to justice and mercy in our own relationships, and in society as a whole. Purify the often hidden prejudices that lie beneath so many of our assumptions about those who are incarcerated. Renew in those who work in the justice system a zeal for those they encounter, and give all give law enforcement officials, public defenders, prosecutors, judges, and prison officials the grace to treat each person they encounter with the dignity that they possess as a child of God. Amen.
Day 6 For an end to the death penalty and other forms of violence in the prison system Heavenly Father, we ask for your mercy and protection for inmates on death row, and for all prisoners who face the threat of violence on a daily basis. Inspire lawmakers and prison officials with compassion and respect for the dignity of every human being, and send people to minister to those who face capital punishment. Amen.
Day 7 For the salvation of the souls of those imprisoned
At the end of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 2011 visit to the Roman prison, an inmate named Stefan, from section G11, read the following prayer, which serves as the perfect closing prayer.: Oh God, give me the courage to call you Father. You know that I do not always give you the attention you deserve. You do not forget me, even though I so often live far from the light of your face. Come close, despite everything, despite my sin however great or small, secret or public, it may be. Give me inner peace, that which only you know how to give. Give me the strength to be true, sincere; tear away from my face the masks that obscure the awareness that I am worthy only because I am your son. Forgive me my faults and grant me the possibility to do good. Shorten my sleepless nights; grant me the grace of a conversion of heart. Remember, Father, those who are outside of here and still love me, that thinking of them, I remember that only love gives life, while hate destroys and resentment transforms into hell long and endless days. Remember me, Oh God. Amen.
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