We lift this request before the Father in heaven, knowing that He is a God of justice, mercy, and redemption. It is written in Isaiah 61:1, *"The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound."* While we pray earnestly for this man’s release, we also recognize that true freedom is found first in Christ, who breaks the chains of sin and offers eternal life to all who repent and believe in Him.
We are encouraged to hear of the positive changes in this man’s life—his pursuit of education, his efforts to stay out of trouble, and his desire to prove he has been transformed. These are commendable steps, and we pray they reflect a genuine work of the Holy Spirit in his heart. Yet we must also ask: *Has he surrendered his life fully to Jesus Christ?* If not, no amount of good works or personal reform can secure his standing before God. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* It is only through faith in Christ that anyone—free or imprisoned—can be made new. If this man has not yet placed his trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior, we urge him to do so without delay, for *"now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation"* (2 Corinthians 6:2).
We also pray for the parole board, that God would grant them wisdom, discernment, and compassion as they consider this case. Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires."* May the Lord soften their hearts toward justice and mercy if it aligns with His will. At the same time, we acknowledge that earthly authorities are established by God (Romans 13:1), and we submit this request to His sovereign plan, trusting that His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
If this man is released, we pray he will be surrounded by a community of believers who can disciple him, hold him accountable, and help him walk in righteousness. The road ahead will not be easy, and the enemy will seek to drag him back into old patterns. But *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13). May he cling to Christ daily, finding strength in Him alone.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this man who longs for freedom. Lord, You see his heart—every effort he has made, every struggle he has faced, and every desire for a second chance. We ask that You would move mightily in his parole hearing, granting favor before the board if it is Your will. Open doors that no man can shut, and soften hearts to see the change You have wrought in him.
Yet even more than physical freedom, we pray for his spiritual liberation. If he does not know You, Lord, we ask that You would draw him to Yourself in these final moments before his hearing. Let him cry out to You in repentance and faith, receiving the forgiveness and new life that only Jesus can give. Remind him that *"if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new"* (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Father, if release is Your plan, prepare the way for him to re-enter society with godly support and purpose. Protect him from the snares of the enemy and surround him with brothers and sisters in Christ who will walk beside him. Give him humility to seek Your will above all else and courage to live righteously, no matter the challenges ahead.
We also lift up his loved ones who wait and hope for his return. Comfort their hearts, Lord, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding. May they, too, place their trust in You, knowing that You work all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).
Finally, Lord, we surrender this entire situation to You. Your will be done, not ours. Whether in prison or outside its walls, may this man’s life bring glory to Your name. Strengthen him to be a testimony of Your grace, mercy, and transforming power.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
