Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22–23
Having a son behind bars brings a kind of grief and worry that is hard to explain to anyone else. Whatever led him there, you still love him, and you can still pray for him. This prayer is for a mother or father carrying that weight.
Lord, my son is in jail tonight, and I can’t get to him. But You can. You are there with him in that cell.
Keep him safe. Protect him from violence and from people who would use him or drag him down further. Give him wisdom about who to trust and the self-control to stay out of trouble.
Meet him there, Father. Use this time to soften his heart rather than harden it. Where he has done wrong, help him face it honestly. Lead him to real change. Let him know that his life is not over and that he is not beyond Your love.
Bring someone good into his path, a chaplain or a friend who points him toward You. Give him hope for what comes after.
Be with everyone affected by what happened. Bring them comfort too.
And Lord, carry me through this. Take away my shame and keep me from despair. Help me know how to love him from here, through letters and visits. Give me the strength to keep going.
I place my son in Your hands. Amen.
A short prayer by name, every morning. Free to start.
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!
Lamentations 3:22–23
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:9–10
Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.
Hebrews 13:3
Lord, be with my son where he is tonight. Keep him safe and keep his heart from growing hard. Lead him to honest change and give him hope for the future. Be with everyone affected by what happened. Give me strength to keep loving him from here, one day at a time. Amen.
Write to him regularly, even short notes about ordinary life at home. Each jail and prison has its own rules for mail and visits, so check the facility’s website or call them before you send anything. Many have a chaplain you can contact. And find a friend or support group where you can talk honestly about how you’re doing.