My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I may not always admit when I’m wrong, but with God’s help I’m working on it.
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:6-7)
I gave you some bad info last week and I apologize. It was not the escaped convict situation that prevented us from being allowed into the prison last week, it was simply a staffing shortage due to the labor day holiday weekend. The prison (like so many places these days) is already a bit understaffed, so when further strain like a holiday presents itself, non-mission critical activities are paused. Since the holiday is over, we are again able to offer worship services like we did last night.
As more members of the Prison Fellowship team rejoin us, it extends our enthusiasm and thankfulness for being allowed back in. Last night Erwin and Andy rejoined the team, and we got to experience through their eyes the excitement of returning after 3-1/2 years of restriction. It was a joyous reunion we carried through the evening as a celebration of the Gospel and God’s goodness. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Prayer time during the services kicked off with the first 8 verses of Psalm 17:
O Lord, hear my plea for justice.
Listen to my cry for help.
Pay attention to my prayer,
for it comes from honest lips.
Declare me innocent,
for you see those who do right.
You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night.
You have scrutinized me and found nothing wrong.
I am determined not to sin in what I say.
I have followed your commands,
which keep me from following cruel and evil people.
My steps have stayed on your path;
I have not wavered from following you.
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.
Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
By your mighty power you rescue
those who seek refuge from their enemies.
Guard me as you would guard your own eyes.
Hide me in the shadow of your wings.
And once again, below are the prayer requests collected and prayed through at each service. It really does warm their hearts to know that their requests are sent out to all of you and they are lifted up by many prayer warriors throughout the week. You are a blessing to many! Thank you!
If you know anyone else who’d like to join this prayer chain, please send them my way.
Grace and peace,
Rick
Inmate Prayer Requests from Medium Security (7:00pm service):
- Dave– for a good outcome of my case and the cases of everyone in here, I hope to go home soon.
- Phil– my sister Heather is expecting any day now, and is considered a high-risk pregnancy. Also want to pray for the guys in here and the ones not here that God would help us see positive blessings in such a negative place.
- John– for my private property to be returned to me. Also pray for more miracles.
- Elwood– for everyone in here and the outcomes of our cases, and for our families and loved ones, and that I can get home soon.
- Ross– I’m from Florida and have lost everything- my house, my job, my money- because of a bogus case. It’s really unfair what’s going on and I pray God would help me be restored. Also mourning the loss of my Mom 12 years ago, and my Dad 22 years ago, that’s why I came to PA.
- Andy L– my nephew Doug just got out of Bucks County prison, I pray he would stay away from drugs and misbehavior.
- John– for my friend’s relative in prison, that he would stay away from drugs and find God.
- Andy D– grace to get through a very stressful week after my Mom’s death, and peace to allow me to grieve her loss.
- Bernard– for everyone getting out of here to stay in the Word and find a church to belong to.
- Ron– my family and grandkids, and that once I’m released, I will never return to prison. Praise God I was found not guilty last Friday and I’m going home.
- Eric– for my trial on the 26th. Thank you God for waking me up today, and I pray you would watch over my family and friends.
Inmate Prayer Requests from Minimum Security (8:30pm service)
- Rob – my health and good health for everyone in here.
- Oscar– everyone on my block (and that they know Jesus).
- Maurice– for me (unspoken prayer request).
- Tyreek– my son.
- Ray– everyone here in this room and our families.
- Bo– for a good message tonight and everyone take something from it. And for peace and strength for my family as we just lost my step-mother a few days ago.
- Bill– court tomorrow, and to get out of here.
- Dave– family and kids suffering for our mistakes
- Brian– for my girlfriend Marissa that all goes well with her heart issues, and for God to keep my 2 boys safe.
Prayers from Onesimus Ministries
For a speedy end to the manhunt for the convicted murderer who escaped from the prison, that he could be peaceably taken into custody, and local residents can feel safe again. We pray for the families of his victims, and his family as well. And we pray for the safety and wellbeing of all the officers and others involved in the ongoing search efforts.
We continue to lift up the families of a few Onesimus Ministries board members. Prayers of enduring strength and wisdom for Dan and his family as his 94-year-old mother-in-law is still hanging in there, but is ready to go home to heaven. We also pray condolences and peace for Andy’s family on his mother June’s homegoing. We rejoice she is now with our Savior, and lift up those left behind in their grief of her absence.
Continued thanksgiving for prison leadership allowing volunteers back into the prison and that the chapel is once again active.
Blessings on Chester County Prison staff and their families.
For our wonderful chaplains Rhonda and Heinrich to continue to serve with the Lord’s passion, strength, and wisdom all the inmates, staff, and families connected with Chester County Prison.
Last but never least, we pray for aftercare ministries serving the recently released men and women as they struggle to build a new life centered on Christ, yet with the label of ex-offender. May others see them as God does – not by their outward appearance, but by their heart. And may the ministries themselves have all they need to be effective for The Kingdom.
If you’d like to find out more about mentoring and discipling a man or woman coming out of prison, drop us a note at info@onesimusministries.org.
These weekly prayer requests are also posted on our website – https://onesimusministries.org/category/weekly-prayer-requests/
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