Inmate Poetry: Suicide Solution
By Johnny Duncan of Lansing Correctional Facility, KS, USA
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NRSV
Hope is finding possibility everywhere.
Hope is a confident expectation of something good.
Hope is all about what we do not see.
Hope provides strength for today—surety for tomorrow.
Hope is possible without dope.
Hope is trusting the Almighty One is in charge.
Hope is almost as good as getting what you hope for.
Hope enables those who believe.
Hope heals a malnourished, damaged soul.
Hope prevents another inmate
dangling from the end of a rope.
Prayer for Peace
Compassionate God, we know there are places where hope is not felt. There are hearts that are lost and lonely. Help us find those who don’t know how much you love them, and witness to them of your grace and forgiveness. Help us find them and share the peace of Christ.
Spiritual Practice
Begin with quiet prayer. Ask God to help you detect some “sore places” in the body of Christ and God’s creation. Become aware of people who feel separated, wounded, or left out. Reflect on or write a short journal entry of healing words to at least one person who comes to mind. Ask God for words that will touch this person’s broken spirit like healing ointment. Keep this person in your heart and prayers today and act on any ideas that come to bring blessing and wholeness.
Peace Covenant
Today, God, I will explore becoming a pen pal with someone in prison.
