The big black guy in the orange jumpsuit said, "Why don't you pray for us now?"
I was in a cell with thirteen inmates finishing up my class on Fatherhood. I told them that I was a pastor and that I truly cared for them, and that I prayed for them, their children, and their families every day. I had just told them that if they had anything specific they wanted me to pray for during the week to let me know.
That's when the big guy spoke up.
I told him, "I would be happy to, but . . . " I looked around at the guys. "If any of you are uncomfortable with me praying right now, you guys can go."
Nobody moved.
The big guy said, "In here, we need all the prayer we can get. Go ahead."
So I prayed. I prayed for each of the men by name. I prayed for God to encourage them, that the walls, the bars, the security, the concrete, the guards wouldn't cause them to feel hopeless. I prayed that God would give them peace; I prayed that they would know that God wasn't finished with them yet. I prayed that they would have the deep fellowship with Christ that the thief on the cross had- the one to whom Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." I prayed for their children- that God would be their father while the men were in prison. I prayed for protection for their loved ones, and I prayed that each one would lead a changed life- a life devoted to Jesus Christ.
It seemed so awkward- leading a prayer service in a jail cell. Or was it? Where did Jesus say we would find Him? In Matthew 25, Jesus clearly states that He is found in the least of these- the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the incarcerated. Why would a prayer service in a jail cell with thirteen convicted criminals be so awkward?
After I said "Amen," I noticed a change.
About half the class was outgoing and friendly. The other half, especially the men of a different race than me, were more quiet and suspicious. However, after the prayer, the wall came down.
The men who had been rather standoffish approached me, shook my hand and gave me a hug. They thanked me over and over again, making me promise to be there next week. I also noticed a connection with the men in my own heart at that moment.
The Gospel unites people.
Jesus breaks down walls.
Here I am, a guy who grew up in the wealthy suburbs, the son of an orthopedic surgeon, white, privileged, given every opportunity to succeed in life connecting with men who have been habitual criminals, drug users, abusers, thieves; men of different races who grew up in poverty and crime-riddled areas; men who grew up, not on traveling select soccer teams, but in gangs that roamed the streets. What could bring together men of that different backgrounds and lifestyles?
A prayer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Once again, the beauty of the Christian faith was demonstrated to me. The beauty of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for us. The beauty of the Gospel. What I experienced was only possible because Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins- that we may all be forgiven, cleansed, purified, and united. The love that Jesus showered on the world is now available to us all.
What an amazing Savior we have. Praise God for His mercy.
I was in a cell with thirteen inmates finishing up my class on Fatherhood. I told them that I was a pastor and that I truly cared for them, and that I prayed for them, their children, and their families every day. I had just told them that if they had anything specific they wanted me to pray for during the week to let me know.
That's when the big guy spoke up.
I told him, "I would be happy to, but . . . " I looked around at the guys. "If any of you are uncomfortable with me praying right now, you guys can go."
Nobody moved.
The big guy said, "In here, we need all the prayer we can get. Go ahead."
So I prayed. I prayed for each of the men by name. I prayed for God to encourage them, that the walls, the bars, the security, the concrete, the guards wouldn't cause them to feel hopeless. I prayed that God would give them peace; I prayed that they would know that God wasn't finished with them yet. I prayed that they would have the deep fellowship with Christ that the thief on the cross had- the one to whom Jesus said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise." I prayed for their children- that God would be their father while the men were in prison. I prayed for protection for their loved ones, and I prayed that each one would lead a changed life- a life devoted to Jesus Christ.
It seemed so awkward- leading a prayer service in a jail cell. Or was it? Where did Jesus say we would find Him? In Matthew 25, Jesus clearly states that He is found in the least of these- the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the incarcerated. Why would a prayer service in a jail cell with thirteen convicted criminals be so awkward?
After I said "Amen," I noticed a change.
About half the class was outgoing and friendly. The other half, especially the men of a different race than me, were more quiet and suspicious. However, after the prayer, the wall came down.
The men who had been rather standoffish approached me, shook my hand and gave me a hug. They thanked me over and over again, making me promise to be there next week. I also noticed a connection with the men in my own heart at that moment.
The Gospel unites people.
Jesus breaks down walls.
Here I am, a guy who grew up in the wealthy suburbs, the son of an orthopedic surgeon, white, privileged, given every opportunity to succeed in life connecting with men who have been habitual criminals, drug users, abusers, thieves; men of different races who grew up in poverty and crime-riddled areas; men who grew up, not on traveling select soccer teams, but in gangs that roamed the streets. What could bring together men of that different backgrounds and lifestyles?
A prayer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Once again, the beauty of the Christian faith was demonstrated to me. The beauty of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for us. The beauty of the Gospel. What I experienced was only possible because Jesus loved us enough to die on the cross for our sins- that we may all be forgiven, cleansed, purified, and united. The love that Jesus showered on the world is now available to us all.
What an amazing Savior we have. Praise God for His mercy.
