Prisons Week

A week of prayer

Prisons Week (8 – 14 October 2023) aims to gather the Church in prayer for the needs of all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people caring for those affected by crime inside and outside of our prisons.

Almost from its very foundation, The Salvation Army has been involved in prison ministry. This ministry continues today with a strong chaplaincy team made of volunteers, lay Salvationists and officers working in 22 prisons in the UK. These are demanding and challenging ministries that are highly valued and respected by His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. The resources on this page can be used as part of your personal prayer time and shared with your corps. 

Resources available to use throughout Prisons Week:

  • A video gives a glimpse at the work The Salvation Army is involved in across the United Kingdom and Ireland territory
  • Daily prayers written by Major Rik Pears (Prison Ministries Officer) for Prayer Matters to guide your prayers throughout Prisons Week 
  • A link to the official Prisons Week page which has more resources following this year's theme ‘Look Up’. Resources include a video to Lauren Daigle’s song ‘Look Up Child' and poster/leaflet
Remote video URL
lady looking up

Prayer Matters

Daily prayers to help focus your thoughts towards the work of The Salvation Army in prisons

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Prisons Week 2023

Learn more about Prisons Week, as well as more resources including a campaign video and poster/leaflet.
This year's theme is 'Look Up' based on Psalm 19:1

Find more resources here

Discover more

Connect session for early October, Prisons Week.

A selection of 'pick-and-mix' activities for secondary-aged pupils, allowing them to explore how The Salvation Army helps people in prison.

Philip Halcrow interviews Jonathan Aitken and fellow ex-prisoner Edward Smyth about their spiritual survival guide 'Doing Time'.

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