When I was in prison, who visited me…?
The answer to this biblical imperative is, of course (amongst others), the Christian Prison Chaplains and the Chaplaincy volunteers, who are, day in and day out, ministering, teaching and caring. As I travel around the country visiting prisons and supporting Chaplaincy teams, I never cease to be impressed by the dedication and care Chaplaincy offers to prisoners and prison staff across the prison estate, and I remain thankful that the God who calls us into such ministry is faithful in support of it.
As we enter the summer holiday period, my mind turns to thoughts of refreshment and recharging. The opportunity for a holiday and a change of scenery, and therefore perspective. Looking out of my window as I type this, I am struck by how parched the grass looks. It is no longer green and fresh but brown and sandy. It looks almost dead, and yet I know, as soon as the rains come—and they surely will—green shoots will emerge and lush grass will shortly follow.
This morning, I was reflecting on Isaiah 12:2–6 as a prayer for all those who work and volunteer in prison. I wonder if you could commit this month to praying over this passage too. Praying that all who work and volunteer in our Chaplaincy teams may take time to refresh themselves in the ‘wells of salvation’. That our wells may be deep and sustaining through reaching out to God through prayer, scriptural study, and receiving the Sacraments of the Church. That any chaplain or volunteer who is tired and parched may find refreshment and vigour, peace and hope as they connect with the One who called them into ministry and who never leaves all who serve in faith and trust. |
Revd Helen Dearnley is the Anglican Faith and Belief Advisor for HM Prison and Probation Service.
