Prison is a place of deep hardship, where isolation, regret, and hopelessness often weigh heavily on the hearts of those confined. Yet even in the darkest of places, God’s love and mercy can shine through, offering healing, forgiveness, and a new beginning. Prayer becomes a lifeline for prisoners, reminding them that God has not forgotten them and that His grace is able to reach beyond the strongest walls.
Praying for prisoners not only brings them encouragement but also reflects Christ’s command to show compassion to those who are bound. Whether someone is unjustly imprisoned, struggling with guilt, or longing for restoration, lifting them in prayer invites God’s comfort and redemption into their lives. Through Scripture, we find powerful promises of deliverance, strength, and hope that remind us no one is beyond God’s reach.
23 Prayer For Prisoners
1. Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” (ESV)
God’s promise in Isaiah points to His power to free both spiritual and physical captives. Even those behind bars can experience liberty in Christ through forgiveness and transformation. His Spirit brings healing to broken hearts and light to dark places.
Lord, proclaim liberty over prisoners today. Bind up their broken hearts and remind them that freedom in Christ is greater than physical walls. Open their hearts to hope and renewal through Your Spirit.
2. Matthew 25:36
“I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (ESV)
Jesus reminds us that caring for prisoners is an expression of serving Him. Many incarcerated people feel abandoned, but showing compassion demonstrates Christ’s love. Prayer becomes a way to “visit” and bring comfort even from afar.
Lord, remind us to remember prisoners in our prayers. Let them feel Your love and presence even in isolation. Help us to see them as You do—with dignity, hope, and value.
3. Psalm 79:11
“Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!” (ESV)
God hears the cries of prisoners, even when others ignore them. His power can preserve, protect, and give life to those who feel forgotten. The prayers of the faithful reach God’s ears on their behalf.
Father, hear the cries of prisoners today. Preserve their lives and remind them they are not abandoned. Protect them with Your mighty power and give them peace.
4. Hebrews 13:3
“Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” (ESV)
This verse calls us to empathy and compassion for those behind bars. By remembering them, we share in their burden and reflect Christ’s love. Prayer becomes a bridge that connects their pain with God’s comfort.
Lord, help us to remember those in prison. Give us hearts of compassion that intercede for them daily. Strengthen and comfort those who feel forgotten and mistreated.
5. Psalm 146:7
“Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.” (ESV)
The psalmist declares that God Himself delivers freedom to prisoners. His justice and mercy extend even to those bound by chains. In Him, there is hope for release and restoration.
Lord, bring freedom to the hearts of prisoners. Let them know Your justice and mercy are greater than their mistakes. Set their spirits free, even if their bodies remain confined.
6. Acts 16:25–26
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.” (ESV)
Prayer and worship have the power to break chains, both spiritually and physically. Paul and Silas show that even in prison, God’s presence brings miraculous breakthroughs. This reminds us that no prison is too strong for God to shake.
Lord, just as You shook the prison for Paul and Silas, shake the lives of prisoners today. Break their chains of despair and replace it with songs of hope. Let their hearts be lifted in praise.
7. Psalm 102:19–20
“That he looked down from his holy height; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free those who were doomed to die.” (ESV)
God does not overlook the pain of those imprisoned. He hears every cry and responds with compassion. His power brings freedom to those bound by despair and hopelessness.
Father, look upon the prisoners who groan in sorrow. Hear their prayers and grant them mercy. Deliver them from hopelessness and remind them of Your great love.
8. Jonah 2:6
“At the roots of the mountains I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God.” (ESV)
Jonah describes a feeling of being trapped, yet God delivered him from the depths. Prisoners may feel buried under shame or despair, but God is able to raise them up. His power rescues even from the lowest pit.
Lord, bring prisoners out of the pits of hopelessness. Rescue them from despair and fill them with faith. Remind them that You can lift them from any darkness.
9. Lamentations 3:55–56
“I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit; you heard my plea: ‘Do not close your ear to my cry for help!’” (ESV)
Even from the darkest places, God hears the cries of His people. No pit or prison can silence the voice of prayer. His ear is attentive to every desperate plea.
Lord, hear the cries of prisoners who call to You. Open Your ears to their prayers and answer with mercy. Bring them hope even in the depths of despair.
10. Psalm 68:6
“God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.” (ESV)
God’s heart is for the lonely and the imprisoned. He desires not only to free them but to bring them into blessing. His plan is for restoration and not abandonment.
Lord, bring prisoners into places of peace and blessing. Restore their lives and give them hope for a future. Let them experience Your goodness even behind bars.
11. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (ESV)
Many prisoners struggle with brokenness and regret over their past choices. God promises to be close to those who feel crushed under the weight of guilt and sorrow. His nearness brings comfort and restoration where shame once dominated.
Lord, draw near to prisoners who are brokenhearted today. Save them from despair and remind them of Your unfailing love. Restore their hope and bring peace to their troubled spirits.
12. Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” (ESV)
Jesus’ mission includes proclaiming freedom for the captives. This freedom is not only physical but also spiritual, offering release from sin and oppression. Prisoners can find true liberty in Christ no matter their circumstances.
Lord, proclaim liberty over every prisoner who turns to You. Set them free from the chains of sin and oppression. Let them experience the joy of salvation and a new beginning in You.
13. Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
Prisoners often live under the heavy weight of condemnation. Yet, for those who accept Christ, there is freedom from guilt and shame. God’s forgiveness erases the past and brings peace.
Lord, remind prisoners that they are not defined by their past. Lift the burden of condemnation and replace it with Your forgiveness. Let them walk in the freedom that only Christ provides.
14. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV)
Prison can feel like a valley of fear and despair. Yet God’s presence brings comfort and courage, reminding us that He never leaves His children. His protection sustains even in the darkest places.
Lord, walk with prisoners through their valleys. Remove fear from their hearts and give them courage. Let them feel the comfort of Your presence surrounding them.
15. 2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)
No matter what someone has done, Christ offers the chance to become new. Prisoners can find hope in knowing their past does not define their future. In Him, transformation is possible.
Lord, make new creations out of those in prison. Let them lay down the mistakes of the past and embrace the future You have prepared. Fill them with fresh purpose and joy.
16. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (ESV)
Prisoners may feel that their future has been stolen, but God declares otherwise. His plans are filled with hope and restoration. He promises welfare and peace to those who trust Him.
Lord, remind prisoners that You have a future for them. Replace hopelessness with expectation of good things ahead. Let them rest in Your promises and trust in Your plan.
17. Psalm 119:50
“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” (ESV)
In affliction, the promises of God bring life and strength. Prisoners who cling to Scripture will find hope even in suffering. God’s Word sustains when circumstances are overwhelming.
Lord, let prisoners find life in Your promises. Comfort them with Your Word and give them strength each day. Help them see that even in affliction, You are faithful.
18. John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (ESV)
True freedom is found in Christ, even for those still behind bars. His forgiveness removes chains stronger than any iron gate. In Him, prisoners can experience complete liberty.
Lord, let prisoners know the freedom that only Jesus gives. Break the spiritual chains that bind them and fill them with peace. Set them free to live as children of God.
19. Philippians 4:6–7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
Prison can be a place of constant anxiety and fear. Yet God promises peace that surpasses understanding to those who pray. His peace guards both heart and mind.
Lord, replace anxiety in prisoners with Your peace. Guard their minds and hearts with the assurance of Your presence. Let them rest in Your care and not in fear.
20. Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (ESV)
When life feels overwhelming, God is a refuge. Prisoners who feel oppressed can take comfort knowing God is their stronghold. He defends, protects, and strengthens His children in every trial.
Lord, be a stronghold for those in prison. Protect them from harm and give them courage to endure. Let them find safety and peace in You alone.
21. James 1:12
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (ESV)
Prison is a test of endurance, but God blesses those who remain faithful. Steadfastness in suffering leads to eternal reward. His promises remind us that trials are not the end.
Lord, give prisoners the strength to remain steadfast. Encourage them to hold on through their trials. Let them look forward to the crown of life You have promised.
22. Micah 7:8
“Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” (ESV)
Even in darkness, God shines His light on those who trust Him. Prisoners may feel they have fallen, but God promises they will rise again. His presence ensures that darkness will not prevail.
Lord, be the light for prisoners in their darkness. Lift them up when they fall and give them courage to rise. Let them find hope in Your presence each day.
23. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (ESV)
God’s ultimate promise is to remove all sorrow and pain. Prisoners can look forward to a future where tears and mourning will end. His presence will bring eternal peace and joy.
Lord, comfort prisoners with the promise of a future without sorrow. Wipe away their tears and give them hope for eternal peace. Let them trust that Your love will carry them into everlasting joy.
Conclusion
Praying for prisoners is a powerful way to remind them that God’s love knows no boundaries. Through Scripture, we see that even in confinement, there is hope, restoration, and freedom in Christ. These prayers not only comfort the imprisoned but also remind us of God’s mercy and redemption for all.
As we lift up prisoners in prayer, we partner with God’s heart for compassion and justice. May these prayers encourage those behind bars to find peace and strength in Him. And may we never forget that His grace extends even to the most broken places.
