Lenten Devotional: March 10, 2026
- St Pete First
- Mar 10
- 2 min read
by Rev. Elyse Nielsen
Scripture: Psalm 69:33 ESV
For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.
Reflection:
When Jesus was arrested in the garden, He did it on his own volition. He chose the way of the cross which led to pain, suffering, and separation in jail from those He loved- his earthly friends and family. Today, there are more rights afforded to prisoners than ever before, but the same punishment of separation and shame remains. Jesus came to set the captives free. This meant more than just the nation of Israel that was under the thumb of Rome, more than the spiritual enslavement to sin that leads to death, but to those who are imprisoned either for crimes they committed or are wrongfully imprisoned.
I grew up in east Tennessee where nearly everyone knows someone who is incarcerated for drug charges or drug related issues. Prison, release, and reentry into society is a quiet shame that Appalachain folks know very well. In Pinellas County, we also have good data that supports the school to prison pipeline- meaning for those who are illiterate in childhood or who are not meeting grade/age standards the likelihood of imprisonment later in adulthood is high. So much so, that prisons plan their future capacity rates based on childhood literacy stats. As people of faith, we know that the Lord loves His own people, even those in prison, and part of the vision for loving St. Pete is to help the next generation become better readers who will thrive in adulthood and in society. I am proud to serve a church who loves God and loves people. Consider serving in our school partnership ministry. Pray for those who are already in our partner schools, the administration, volunteers, students and their families.
Prayer:
God of love and faithfulness, thank you for loving your people and your people in prison. Help us to be near to the broken hearted and to give care to the imprisoned. May we be bold in our intervention so that children may escape the separation and shame that comes with incarceration. We praise you for you are the God of liberation! Amen.