For Youth Entangled with the Criminal Justice System
Intercessor:
Our Lord Jesus Christ declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…to proclaim liberty to the captives.” Trusting in His mercy and redeeming love, let us pray for the Church and for the world.
God of mercy and second chances, we remember before You young people who already know the inside of police cars, courts, and cells. You see the fear, anger, and shame they carry, and the histories of poverty, racism, violence, neglect, and broken relationships that so often lie behind their records.
People:
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
Lord Jesus, who were Yourself arrested, judged, and condemned, draw near to these sons and daughters. Protect them from further harm. Break cycles of despair, violence, and self-destruction, and awaken in them the hope of new life in You and a path towards flourishing in the world, using their gifts and the unique imprint of Your image on each of them to fulfill Your calling.
People:
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
Raise up mentors, godly peers, teachers, officers, chaplains, employers, neighbors, and faithful friends who will see more than a file or a fist, and who will walk patiently beside them toward a different future that is filled with Your transforming love.
People:
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
Teach Your Church—young adults and seniors, single and married, students and professionals—to enter detention centers, probation offices, schools, neighborhoods, and streets as bearers of Your hopeful Word. Give us courage to go where You are already at work, and grace to recognize Your image in every young person we meet.
People:
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
Keep us from settling for reductionistic solutions or words of condemnation. Instead, make us people of patient presence, truthful love, and steadfast hope, so that these young men and women may glimpse in us the face of a God who has not given up on them and never will.
People:
Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Intercessor:
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who came to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the oppressed, light to the darkened, and healing to the marred—and who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
People:
Amen.
