If you missed them, these are two Advent and Christmas themed reflections related to the bible study I lead out at the prison. They are, in my estimation, two of the more powerful things I've shared on the blog. The two posts:
Advent: A Prison StoryThanks to all of you who have Tweeted or linked to these posts on blogs or on Facebook. I can't tell you how much it pleases me to see the men in prison, given where they are, having an impact upon the outside world.
Piss Christ in Prison: An Unlikely Advent Meditation
And during your prayers this Christmas season please lift up those who are imprisoned.
It is a very, very hard time of year for them.
A prayer I use a lot from The Book of Common Prayer:
Lord Jesus, for our sake you were condemned as a criminal: Visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice. Remember those who work in these institutions; keep them humane and compassionate; and save them from becoming brutal or callous. And since what we do for those in prison, O Lord, we do for you, constrain us to improve their lot. All this we ask for your mercy's sake. Amen.
