Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

I greet you in the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are often asked by family member of those currently incarcerated, churches and others about how to pray for people incarcerated as a whole and specifically what to pray for specific loved ones inside. It is hard to know if you have not been incarcerated. We understand that the challenges of incarceration are not limited to physical confinement alone. The struggles extend deep into the spiritual, emotional, and mental realms of every individual. In our mission, we have come to see prayer as one of the most powerful tools for transformation, hope, and healing. 

Over the years, we have compiled a list of essential prayer points that reflect the multifaceted needs of incarcerated individuals. These points serve as a roadmap for our intercessions, reminding us that each person is not only a person who has made mistakes but a beloved child of God in need of grace and renewal. As you read through the following points, I encourage you to reflect on each aspect and consider additional needs that might be unique to the individuals you are praying for. Our prayer focus has grown to include areas such as spiritual restoration, support for families, overcoming addictions, and guidance toward a hopeful reintegration into society.

1. Prayer for Patience

Incarceration can be a long and arduous journey. The pace of life behind bars is slow, often punctuated by long hours of waiting, reflection, and sometimes, isolation. In such an environment, patience is not merely a virtue—it is a necessity. Impatience can lead to frustration, impulsiveness, and actions that may result in further difficulties. Therefore, pray that every person develops the inner strength and perseverance to endure their circumstances with calm and dignity. Ask the Lord to grant them the ability to see beyond the present moment, to trust in His timing, and to find comfort in the promise that God is working even in the midst of waiting.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”   Romans 12:12 (NIV)

2. Prayer for Self-Control

Self-control is a daily challenge, one that is especially critical in an environment where temptations and provocations are common. The ability to control one’s actions, words, and reactions is key to maintaining peace and order in prison – AND pivotal to success after prison. When we pray for self-control, we are asking God to help the incarcerated resist negative impulses and to empower them to make choices that lead to growth and rehabilitation. Pray that they gain the strength to overcome destructive habits and that they learn to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them toward wise and constructive behavior.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”   Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

3. Prayer for Anger Management

Anger, when left unchecked, can be both a destructive force and a barrier to personal transformation. In the challenging environment of a prison, feelings of frustration and resentment may easily escalate into harmful actions. Pray for effective anger management for those who struggle with bitterness and hostility. Ask God to help them release their anger in healthy ways, to forgive those who have wronged them, and to promote a spirit of reconciliation. Through prayer, let us request that they learn to channel their anger into constructive change and that the healing power of Christ softens even the hardest of hearts.

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”   James 1:19-20 (NIV)

4. Prayer for a Deeper Relationship with Christ

At the core of our ministry is the belief that a genuine, transformative relationship with Christ is the key to long-term success and redemption. Beyond just knowledge of Him, we desire that every person incarcerated experiences the profound love, mercy, and grace that only Jesus can offer. Pray that their hearts are opened to receive His love, that they come to know Him in a personal and transformative way and that His light dispels the darkness of despair and isolation. Ask God to guide them on a path of spiritual discovery and renewal - that they might experience the joy of forgiveness and the freedom of a life surrendered to His will.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”   Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

5. Prayer for the Desire to Better Themselves

Every day behind bars is an opportunity for growth—physical, mental, and spiritual. Pray that they come to see their time in prison not as an end, but as a beginning for personal transformation. Ask the Lord to instill in them a desire to better themselves through education, mental health support, vocational training, and spiritual development. Pray that they recognize the value of investing in their future and that they find the courage to embrace change. May they be inspired to set goals, to work diligently towards self-improvement, and to believe in the possibility of a renewed life after incarceration.

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

6. Prayer for the Guards and Correctional Staff

Often, the relationship between inmates and the guards or correctional staff can be fraught with tension. Yet, we must remember that those in authority are also children of God, called to act with fairness and compassion. Pray that the guards and staff receive wisdom, fairness, and compassion in their daily duties. Ask that God soften their hearts so that they treat every individual with dignity and respect, and that they exercise authority without cruelty or prejudice. When we lift up the correctional staff in prayer, we are asking for an environment where justice is tempered with mercy, and where every interaction reflects God’s love.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”   1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

7. Prayer for Peace in Their Heart

The inner turmoil of life in prison can be overwhelming, leaving many people incarcerated feeling isolated, abandoned, and filled with sorrow. Pray that every person behind bars may experience the peace that surpasses all understanding—a peace that only God can provide. Ask that He fills their hearts with comfort, enabling them to accept their circumstances with grace and to find hope even in the darkest moments. Pray that the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit replace the clamor of fear and anxiety, and that they come to rest in the assurance of God’s unchanging love.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

8. Prayer for Nutrition and Provision

The reality of prison life often includes struggles with poor nutrition and inadequate food quality. Many people incarcerated face daily challenges with hunger and subpar diets that affect their physical health. Lift up in prayer the need for proper nutrition and provision for those in prison. Ask the Lord to open channels for better resources, that their bodies may be nourished as well as their souls. Pray that the institutions responsible for their care will provide nutrition that supports their overall well-being, recognizing that physical health is intertwined with spiritual and mental strength.

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)

9. Prayer for Health and Quality Healthcare

Healthcare within the prison system is frequently below standard, with limited access to quality medical care. Many people incarcerated suffer from chronic conditions, untreated illnesses, and the stresses of their environment, which can exacerbate existing health issues. Pray that God would bring healing and proper care to every person, that their physical bodies may be mended and their health restored. Ask for wisdom and compassion for the healthcare providers who work in these challenging conditions, and that they may be instruments of God’s healing love. In our prayers, we seek both immediate relief and long-term improvements in the standard of care available within the prison system.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”   James 5:14 (NIV)

10. Prayer for Mental Health

The mental and emotional toll of incarceration is profound. Isolation, confinement, and the stress of daily life behind bars can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles. Pray that every person incarcerated finds strength in the knowledge that they are not forgotten—that God sees their pain and is with them in their struggle. Ask that they may receive the mental health support they need, whether through counseling, peer support, or spiritual mentorship. Pray for the resilience of their spirit, that even amidst hardship, they find hope and the ability to heal. Let us ask the Lord to infuse their minds with clarity and peace, allowing them to face each day with renewed determination.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”   1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

11. Prayer for Spiritual Restoration and Transformation

Beyond simply developing a relationship with Christ, many people need to experience the full restoration that comes from encountering God’s redemptive power. Pray that every individual in prison experiences the transformative power of forgiveness, redemption, and renewal. Ask that they be freed from the burden of guilt and shame, and that the Holy Spirit rekindle within them a passion for living a life of purpose and integrity. Through prayer, let us request that their hearts be mended and that they be empowered to rise above past mistakes, stepping into a future defined not by their transgressions but by the limitless grace of God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

12. Prayer for the Families and Loved Ones

Incarceration does not affect just the individual; it ripples through families and communities. The pain of separation, the strain on relationships, and the stigma of having a loved one in prison can create deep wounds in families. Pray for the families and loved ones of those incarcerated—that they might find comfort, strength, and support during their trials. Ask the Lord to mend broken relationships and to provide a network of care and understanding. Pray for reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing in every household affected by incarceration. In lifting up the families, we acknowledge that their journey is intertwined with that of the inmate, and that the healing of one contributes to the restoration of the whole community.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”   Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

13. Prayer for Overcoming Addiction

Many individuals find themselves entangled in the chains of addiction—a struggle that often both contributes to and results from a life of crime. Drugs are easy to get behind the walls and there is ample supply. Addiction can be a relentless adversary, clouding judgment and perpetuating cycles of despair. Pray for those who are battling substance abuse, that they might find the strength to overcome their addictions. Ask God to break the chains of dependency and to replace the cravings of the flesh with a hunger for His word and His righteousness. Pray for access to the necessary support systems and rehabilitation programs, and that each individual may experience the healing and deliverance that comes from surrendering their struggles to Christ.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”   1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)

14. Prayer for Successful Reintegration and Future Opportunities

The journey does not end at the prison gates. Reintegration into society presents its own challenges—from finding employment and stable housing to rebuilding relationships and self-esteem. Pray that every person incarcerated preparing to re-enter society is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual grounding needed for a successful transition. Ask that God opens doors for vocational training, education, and community support, ensuring that the reintegration process is met with opportunities rather than obstacles. Pray that those returning to society are embraced by communities that offer forgiveness, support, and a genuine chance at a new beginning. May they step into the world with hope, knowing that their past does not define their future when they walk in the light of Christ.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

15. Prayer for Their Safety

In the often unpredictable and challenging environment of prison, the physical safety of the incarcerated is of paramount importance. Many face risks of violence, abuse, or other forms of harm from both within the prison walls and sometimes even from those entrusted with their care. We pray that the Lord surrounds every person with His divine protection, guarding them from all danger and providing a secure environment where they can find peace and hope. Ask God to guide the hands and hearts of correctional staff and administrators, ensuring that justice and compassion prevail in every interaction. May each person feel the reassuring presence of our Almighty Protector, knowing that His watchful care never fails.

“The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”   Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV)

Bringing It All Together

Each of these prayer points is a testament to the comprehensive care that God desires for His children—even those who find themselves in the most challenging circumstances. When we pray for people incarcerated, we are not only asking for divine intervention in specific areas of need; we are also declaring that every life matters, every struggle is seen, and every soul has the potential for redemption and renewal.

The power of prayer lies in its ability to connect us with God’s heart. As we intercede for those behind bars, we align our hearts with His, embracing the call to love unconditionally and to extend grace even when it seems difficult. We are reminded that incarceration, while a part of our broken world, is not the end of the story. In the midst of hardship, there is hope. In the depths of despair, there is a light that can guide us home.

Let us then commit ourselves to this calling with renewed fervor. Whether you are praying in the quiet of your home, gathering with a small group, or joining a larger ministry effort, know that your prayers are a lifeline for those in prison. Each word you speak in faith has the power to change hearts, mend broken lives, and usher in the transformative love of Christ.

In our collective prayers, let us also advocate for justice and reform within the prison system. While we trust in God’s miraculous work in individual lives, we must also be voices for change in the institutions that confine them. Pray for better treatment, for fair policies, and for systems that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. In doing so, we honor the dignity of every person and stand as witnesses to the compassionate heart of our Savior.

May the peace of Christ, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and minds as you intercede for those in need. May the love of our Savior drive you to be persistent and compassionate in your prayers. And may you always find comfort in the assurance that, in Christ, every broken soul can be made whole.

In closing, I urge you to continue lifting up our brothers and sisters in prison, their families, the guards, and everyone affected by the incarceration system. Let our prayers be a continuous outpouring of God’s love—a love that heals, transforms, and redeems. May our collective intercessions bring hope to the darkest places and shine a light on the path to freedom, both spiritually and physically.

Thank you for your steadfast commitment to this vital ministry. Your prayers, support, and compassion are instrumental in furthering the work of Brand 316 and in advancing the Kingdom of God in the most challenging environments. Together, let us be the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those in need and proclaiming the truth that no one is ever beyond the reach of His grace.

Yours in Christ,

David Phillips