Short Prayer For Prisoners is a simple way to ask God to bring hope and peace to those who are in prison. Life behind bars can be lonely and difficult, and many people struggle with regret, fear, or uncertainty about the future. Prayer reminds them that God’s love can reach anyone, no matter where they are.
Even a short prayer can bring comfort and strength. It asks God to guide prisoners, help them change for the better, and fill their hearts with peace. Prayer also reminds us to show compassion and believe that every person can find hope and a new beginning.
23 Short Prayer For Prisoners
1. Psalm 69:33 (ESV)
For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own who are prisoners.
This prayer is a foundational request for the Father to show every person in a cell that he hears their specific cries today. We ask the Lord to remind them that they are still his own and that he does not despise them despite the morning mistakes of their past. By seeking this divine acceptance, you are petitioning for a spiritual stabilization that ensures their heart remains hopeful even during the afternoon lockdown.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would settle deep within the prison walls and provide a sense of unshakeable security for the inmates. May the realization of God’s attentive ear act as a barrier against the intrusive thoughts of worthlessness that often attempt to steal joy today. We trust that because the Lord values every soul, the mechanism for a spiritual breakthrough is already being meticulously orchestrated in the heavenly places.
2. Hebrews 13:3 (ESV)
Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
We pray for the specialized grace to remember those in prison as if we were standing in the cell right beside them today. This petition asks the Father to help the church identify with the suffering of the incarcerated during the quiet morning hours of reflection. By recognizing this shared connection, you are asking for a protection that keeps the spirit of the prisoner focused on the light throughout the entire afternoon.
Lord, I ask that you would pull back the veil of isolation and show the prisoners the beauty of the community you have prepared for them. I pray for a manifestation of your grace that results in a profound sense of safety and belonging as they manage the logistics of their daily routine. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are with them in the darkness.
3. Psalm 102:19-20 (ESV)
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,
This petition is a request for the Father to look down from his holy height and hear the groans of every prisoner today. We ask the Lord to provide a supernatural release for their spirits so they no longer feel doomed by their current situation this morning. By seeking this divine attention, you are asking for a spiritual fortification that protects the mind from the noise of despair during the afternoon.
Father, help the inmates to identify the practical ways they can find freedom in their hearts while they move through the busy prison yard. I pray for a breakthrough in their spiritual vision that results in a radiant hope and a calm spirit for the future of their entire household. We trust that as you hear their groans, the Lord is providing the stamina and the clarity required for them to flourish in absolute peace.
4. Psalm 142:7 (ESV)
Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.
When the weight of confinement makes the soul feel trapped, we pray for the Lord to bring the spirit of the prisoner out of its internal cage. This petition asks the Father to prepare a bountiful future where they are surrounded by a righteous community during the morning of their release. By trusting in your provision, you are petitioning for a spiritual hygiene that keeps the mind healthy and the spirit strong during the afternoon.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would provide the seekers with the stillness required to lead a life of trust despite the physical bars. May the realization of your bounty act as a barrier against the intrusive thoughts of failure that often try to steal joy in the cell. We trust that because the Lord is a deliverer, the mechanism for their emotional and social restoration is already being orchestrated in the heavens.
5. Isaiah 42:7 (ESV)
to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.
This prayer is a request for the Father to open the spiritual eyes of those who feel blind to their future and their purpose today. We ask the Lord to bring them out of the mental dungeon of regret and into the marvelous light of his presence this morning. By seeking this divine sight, you are petitioning for a spiritual state where the internal peace of the prisoner is built on the power of the Savior.
Lord, grant the inmates the energy to lead their lives with a positive attitude as they stand in the grace you have provided. I ask that they would find deep fulfillment in your presence, knowing that every effort to stay faithful is seen and valued by the Father. We trust that as we walk in your truth, our performance in our daily life will be outstanding and full of holy light.
6. Psalm 146:7 (ESV)
who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free;
We pray for the specialized grace of the Lord to execute justice for those who feel oppressed and to set the prisoners free in his timing. This petition asks the Father to provide for their physical and spiritual hunger during the quiet morning hours in the facility. By recognizing his power to free the heart, you are asking for a protection that keeps their spirit focused on the truth throughout the afternoon.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would settle deep within the soul of the prisoner and provide a sense of unshakeable security today. May the realization of God’s justice act as a barrier against the intrusive thoughts of anger that often attempt to steal peace in the yard. We trust that because the Lord is a restorer, the mechanism for their emotional and social success is already being orchestrated.
7. Matthew 25:36 (ESV)
I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
As we consider our responsibility to others, we petition for the Lord to give us a heart that visits and supports the prisoner today. This prayer asks for the realization that when we care for the incarcerated, we are serving the Savior himself during the morning hours. We seek the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the holiness of heaven is covering the visitor and the prisoner throughout the afternoon.
Lord, protect the thoughts and the words of the seekers today, ensuring that every transition of their journey is marked by your mercy. Keep their life secure from the schemes of the adversary and provide them with the fortitude required to face any social challenge today. We trust in your perpetual watch over our future, believing that your hand is the ultimate shield that preserves our joy and our peace.
8. Zechariah 9:12 (ESV)
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double.
We pray for the specialized grace for the incarcerated to return to the Lord as their stronghold and to become prisoners of hope today. This petition asks the Father to fulfill his promise to restore double for all they have lost during the morning hours of their sentence. By claiming this restoration, you are asking for a spiritual fortification that protects the heart from the noise of a hopeless world.
Father, I ask that you would provide the seeker with the stillness required to lead a life of trust and perfect love despite the difficulty. I pray for a breakthrough in their character that results in a profound sense of security and a desire for them to flourish. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are restoring us.
9. Acts 16:25-26 (ESV)
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. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.
In the middle of the midnight hours of life, we pray for the prisoners to have the specialized strength to sing hymns to God today. This petition asks the Father to shake the foundations of their despair and to unfasten the bonds of their addiction during the morning. By seeking this divine power, you petition for a security that prevents any sudden panic from taking over their spirit in the facility.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would produce a quiet mind in the seeker that responds quickly to the gentle prompting of your grace. I ask for a breakthrough in their spiritual discipline that allows them to stand firm against the noise of a busy and demanding day. We believe that as we draw near to you, the Lord is providing the stamina and the clarity required for us to flourish.
10. Psalm 79:11 (ESV)
Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!
This prayer is a request for the Father to let the quiet groans of the prisoners come directly before his throne of grace today. We ask the Lord to use his great power to preserve their lives and their mental health during the long morning hours of confinement. By seeking this divine preservation, you are asking for a spiritual fortification that remains active while they manage their daily duties.
Father, I thank you that the Creator is the guardian who never sleeps and who is meticulously watching over your life right now. I ask that you would prevent any negative shift in the seeker’s spirit and keep their heart perfectly stable during the afternoon and evening hours. We trust in your unceasing care, knowing that your hand is strong enough to keep our thoughts and our purpose safe.
11. Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)
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;
We pray for the Spirit of the Lord to rest upon the chaplains and the volunteers as they bring good news to the prisoners today. This petition asks the Father to bind up the hearts of the brokenhearted and to proclaim a spiritual liberty during the morning hours of ministry. By seeking this opening of the prison, you petition for a spiritual hygiene that keeps the mind healthy and the spirit strong.
Lord, grant the seekers the energy to lead their life with a positive attitude as they stand in the grace you have provided today. I ask that they would find deep fulfillment in your presence, knowing that every effort to be kind is seen and valued by the Father. We trust that as we walk in your truth, our performance in our city life will be outstanding and full of light.
12. Acts 12:7 (ESV)
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.
We pray for the light of the Lord to shine into every prison cell and for his angels to stand next to those who are bound today. This petition asks the Father to cause the chains of anger and guilt to fall off their hands during the quiet morning hours. By seeking this divine light, you are petitioning for a spiritual stabilization that keeps the heart calm as they navigate the afternoon.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would provide the seeker with the stillness required to lead a life of trust and perfect love today. May the realization of your presence act as a barrier against the intrusive thoughts of fear that often attempt to steal joy in the facility. We trust that because the Lord is a deliverer, the mechanism for your emotional and social restoration is already being orchestrated.
13. Psalm 107:14 (ESV)
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
In the middle of the shadow of death that often hangs over a prison, we pray for the Lord to bring the captives into his light today. This prayer asks for the Father to burst their spiritual bonds apart so they can experience a new sense of freedom during the morning. We petition for his protection and his fortification to surround their mind as they navigate the difficult landscape of the afternoon.
I ask the Lord to be a refuge for you from the discouragement of the world and your strength when reserves are failing today. I pray that you would feel his tangible presence in the midst of your cell and the quiet hours of your own reflection tonight. We trust that because God is our fortress, we do not need to be shaken by any social challenge or lack.
14. Luke 4:18 (ESV)
“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,
This prayer is a request for the specialized anointing of Jesus to reach into the hearts of those who feel oppressed by their mistakes today. We ask the Lord to proclaim a spiritual liberty that allows the prisoner to recover their sight for a better future during the morning. By seeking this liberty, you are asking for a spiritual fortification that protects the heart from the noise of the world.
Father, I ask that you would provide the seeker with the stillness required to lead a life of trust and perfect love despite the difficulty. I pray for a breakthrough in their perspective that results in a profound sense of security and a desire for them to flourish. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are merciful.
15. Psalm 146:8 (ESV)
the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.
We pray for the Lord to open the eyes of the incarcerated and to lift up those who are bowed down by the weight of their sentence today. This petition asks the Father to reveal his love for those who are seeking righteousness even in the middle of a difficult morning. By seeking this divine lift, you are petitioning for a spiritual state where the internal peace of the soul is built on the Savior.
Lord, I ask that you would govern the internal world of the seeker so it always results in a radiant hope and a new level of peace. I pray for a manifestation of your grace that allows the family to feel the comfort of being held by the Creator today. We believe that because you are abounding in love, our lives are being meticulously preserved and empowered for your ultimate glory.
16. Acts 26:18 (ESV)
to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
We pray for the Father to turn the hearts of the prisoners from the darkness of their past to the marvelous light of his forgiveness today. This petition asks the Lord to grant them a place among those who are sanctified by faith during the morning hours in the yard. By seeking this transformation, you petition for a security that prevents any sudden panic from taking over your spirit as you work.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would settle deep within the soul of the seeker and provide a sense of unshakeable tranquility in the morning. May the realization of your presence act as a barrier against the intrusive thoughts of pride that often attempt to steal your peace today. We trust that because the Lord is our rock, the mechanism for our emotional and social success is already being orchestrated.
17. Psalm 107:10 (ESV)
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons,
This prayer is a request for the Father to visit those who are currently sitting in darkness and in the shadow of affliction today. We ask the Lord to oversee their time in irons so that their spirits remain light and full of his peace during the morning hours. By seeking this divine presence, you are petitioning for a spiritual environment where the holiness of heaven permeates the reality of the facility.
Lord, grant the seeker the energy to lead their life with a positive attitude as they serve those around them with a happy heart. I ask that they would find deep fulfillment in your presence, knowing that every effort to be kind is seen and valued by the Father. We trust that as we walk in your truth, our performance in our city life will be outstanding and full of grace.
18. Isaiah 49:9 (ESV)
saying to the prisoners, ‘Come out,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Appear.’ They shall feed along the ways; on all bare heights shall be their pasture.
When the time for release finally arrives, we pray for the Lord to say the words that call the prisoners to come out and appear today. This petition asks the Father to provide for their transition so they can find pasture and sustenance during the morning of their new life. By seeking this divine guidance, you are asking for a spiritual fortification that remains active while you manage your social duties.
I pray that the Holy Spirit would provide the seeker with the stillness required to lead a life of trust and perfect love today. I pray for a breakthrough in their attitude that results in a profound sense of security and a desire for them to flourish. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are teaching us.
19. Psalm 107:16 (ESV)
For he shatters the doors of bronze and cuts in two the bars of iron.
We pray for the Lord to shatter the bronze doors of spiritual bondage and to cut the iron bars of habit in your community today. This petition asks the Father to provide a total breakthrough for those who feel stuck in a cycle of crime or regret during the morning. By seeking this divine strength, you are petitioning for a spiritual hygiene that keeps the mind healthy and the spirit strong in the city.
Father, I ask that you would provide the seeker with the stillness required to lead a life of trust and perfect love in the city. I pray for a breakthrough in their communication that results in a profound sense of security and a radiant hope for the future. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are our peace.
20. Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
This prayer is a request for the Father to remove every feeling of condemnation from the heart of the prisoner who has turned to Jesus today. We ask the Lord to silence the inner voice that tells them they are only their worst mistake during the quiet morning hours. By seeking this divine freedom, you are petitioning for a spiritual state where your internal peace serves as a powerful catalyst for success.
Lord, I ask that you would govern the thoughts and the reactions of the seeker so they always reflect the kindness of your nature. I pray for a manifestation of your grace that results in a profound sense of security as they handle the movements of their day today. We believe that your name is our greatest defense and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are building us.
21. Psalm 4:8 (ESV)
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
While the prison environment is often noisy and dangerous, we petition for the restorative and holy peace that allow the inmates to sleep. This prayer asks the Lord to establish a perimeter of safety around their mind, protecting them from the anxious thoughts of the yard this evening. By trusting in God’s safety, they are empowered to close their eyes without the burden of chronic worry about the morning.
I pray that the seekers would feel a profound sense of safety and tranquility in their spirit as they navigate the silence of the night. I ask that you would be the guard of their thoughts, preventing the stress of the world from stealing their peace or their eventual sleep tonight. We trust that you alone are the source of our true security and we find our rest in the knowledge that you are watching.
22. Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
This petition is the ultimate benediction of peace and favor over the journey of every prisoner toward spiritual restoration and total strength today. We ask the Lord to let his face shine upon the cells, providing the warmth and the light they need to stay courageous. This prayer asks for the lifting of his countenance toward the family, granting them the deep, abiding peace that only the Father provide.
Lord, I receive this blessing as a seal upon the prayers for connection and for restoration that I have offered throughout this hour. May your grace be the constant companion of our hearts and your peace be the guard of every thought as we move forward. We trust that we are kept by your power and enlightened by your light, ensuring that our life becomes a radiant testimony.
23. Ephesians 3:20 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
This final prayer expands the vision for the future of those behind bars, asking the Lord to move beyond the limits of our own requests today. We petition the Father to intervene in the justice system and in individual hearts in ways that reflect his immense creativity and his perfect love. This prayer is a surrender to the far more abundantly nature of God, trusting his infinite power to handle every complex detail.
Lord, do a work in these hearts today that reflects your great power and your desire for us to thrive in our shared calling. Use your authority to rearrange circumstances and to open doors that align with your glorious purpose for our city and our future today. We receive this promise on our behalf, trusting that while our human thinking is limited, your ability to bless and provide is boundless in this hour.
Conclusion
Short Prayer For Prisoners reminds us that no one is beyond God’s love and mercy. Prayer can bring comfort to those who feel forgotten and help them find strength to face each day. It also encourages hope for change and a better future.
Keep praying for prisoners and ask God to guide their hearts and minds. Pray for peace, wisdom, and opportunities for growth and healing. As you continue lifting them up in prayer, trust that God can work in powerful ways, bringing light into difficult places and helping lives move toward renewal and hope.
