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Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
My daughter called me the other day to ask about a warning light on her car dashboard. As it turns out, it was just a reminder to get an oil change. Then she had questions about where to go for that, and did her car need synthetic oil, etc. I was happy to speak with her and guide her in the right direction.
Unfortunately, she and I don't have nearly as close a connection as she has with my wife. In fact, I seldom hear from her unless she needs help with a car problem or has an issue with her house. But I'm quick to answer when she calls, and always set aside whatever I'm doing to focus on her. Even if it's just for some help, I'm thankful for the opportunity to talk with her.
I think that's how it works between some people and God. They don't really have much of a connection with Him until they're in trouble. Then they cry out for His help, realizing they're in a jam beyond what they can handle. I've heard the term “foxhole prayers” describe that situation for soldiers on the battlefield. We talk about this often in the prison.
God is such a good Father. He the perfect Father, and I believe He's happy to hear from us even if it's only when we're in trouble. And He doesn't want it to stop there – He'd like to hear from us in good times, too. In fact, He'd love to hear from us non-stop. His Word reminds us in 1Thes 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
He wants our attention, our worship, our hurts, our struggles, and our joys. He wants a relationship with us, and every relationship requires honest and open communication. We speak to Him in prayer and praise, and through our actions. He speaks to us through His Word, through others, through circumstances, and some are fortunate enough to actually hear His voice.
Communicating is critically important in any relationship. Thank you all for using your connection with the Father to lift up others like the men and women in Chester County Prison. And let's add to our prayers that each person reaching out to God for help in prayer mighty swing that door wide open and keep praying through the good and the bad. And may your relationship with our Heavenly Father continue to be strengthened each week through these prayer requests. God bless you!
Grace and Peace,
Rick
Prayer Requests from last Thursday (Inmate 1-on-1 sessions):
- Troy– I was supposed to have court Tuesday, but never got called up. Then I tried to call my wife a bunch of times and no answer. My cellmate is driving me crazy even though I warn him I'm not playin around. It feels like Satan is all over my back. I keep trying to give it to God. Then I found out my wife was having issues with her phone. I don't know why I keep thinking the worst when I can't get in touch with her. I need to be with her.
- William– [I was scheduled to meet him for the first time last Thursday, but he refused all appointments that day. His father died 2 weeks ago, and Chaplain Heinrich believes he is open to speaking with me even though he's not a believer. Please pray for William's heart to be softened and open to what God would have me discuss with him, and that I may be God's ambassador to simply listen and show him the love of Christ. I scheduled another 1-on-1 for this Thursday.]
Prayer Requests from Medium Security (6:00pm Monday service):
- Greg– my sister is pregnant, prayers for her and the baby, and my brother's wife is also pregnant – I'm going to be an uncle x2!
- Daryll– for my family to be saved, and thankful that the Judge offered me 3 months, plus I'm going to rehab. Pray for all the men in here, and thankful that I still have my apartment in Coatesville, my sister has been taking care of things for me.
- Ross– for the church to continue to grow and get strong. We had a great service in here the other day with like 60 guys, and they preached how the Spirit is moving today, that's great news.
- Troy– for my wife Beth, my kids Stephanie, Tyson, and Lexus, my granddaughter, my sister, my brother, and my whole extended family. For my wife's spirits which have been real low lately, for forgiveness, and that we might have some peace in this world until the Prince of Peace returns – everyone needs to stay aware and find God before that happens.
- Mike– for my family- wife Robin, kids Hannah, Gavin, and Michael.
- Shaun– for everyone here, my family, and for a solid place to live when I get out of here.
- Jim (volunteer)- my friend's wife died 1 month ago in his arms, they were married 31 years. I witnessed to him and hope he trusts in God. Pray for all in here to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
- Troy– thankful for a new cellmate (Elijah) who came out with me tonight, and has let me talk his ears off. He has court Friday and pray he can get home to his girl and 10-month-old son.
- Phil (volunteer)- We were praying for Andre and Nicolle who had an operation weeks ago and were told they will get pregnant within a year. Pray for all those struggling to conceive, like Thomas and Josie, and Ali and Aaron.
- Jose (volunteer)- for Terry Long in prison ministry in Delaware, his wife passed and he's really struggling with loneliness. Also for 7-year-old Joen who had surgery but now having kidney issues.
- Mike– for the people in Nepal dealing with the aftermath of massive flash floods wiping out many villages, pray for families of those who died (over 1300) and for the thousands still missing.
Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (7:30pm Monday service):
- Rick– for our brother, volunteer Bill Harkins undergoing cancer treatments. Continued healing and good reports.
- Dave – Healing for his mom who broke her back, she’s in her late 70s, she spent eight weeks in the hospital, and she’s been home one week.
- Brett – That he would continue his walk with God after prison in treatment and that he would find brothers and community in treatment.
- Maurice – For better health for himself and for hope for his friends that they would get out of prison soon.
- Matt – For unsaved, family members, and that he would live with purpose and guidance from God.
- Jim – Healing for his friend Bruce who has a disease called Diverticulitis.
- Jose – That everyone at the facility would know Christ as their savior, and for sanctification for all those who do know him. Also healing for his knees.
Prayer Requests from Onesimus Ministries
- For everything to come together with Onesimus Benefit Dinner at Green Street Grill on Nov 13.
- For Onesimus Ministries Board of Directors, grant them wisdom and insight for the future of this ministry.
- For Chaplain Rhonda, in her ministry to female inmates, staff, and families.
- For Chaplain Heinrich, in his ministry to male inmates, staff, and families.
- For Chaplain Jack Crans, leading chaplaincy at Chester County Prison among both inmates and prison leadership, and for his personal strength and healing from cancer.
- For all Volunteers ministering in Chester County Prison.
- For the Warden and leadership at CCP, may ministries continue to find favor with them.
- For the Families of each inmate, staff member, chaplain, and volunteer.
- For Aftercare ministries and post-prison support organizations throughout Chester County.
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