Buechner helps us pray for prisoners in 2026!

On this first day of the New Year, I’d like to share some thoughts about a small portion of a Frederick Buechner prayer that I believe focuses directly on the plight of prisoners. 

Buechner was an American author, Presbyterian minister, preacher, and theologian, and published 39 books. His career spanned more than six decades. He died in 2022 at the age of 96! 

Thanks to a special program that was offered, I receive a quote from this fine theologian and writer every day via email. One dispatch this week featured a prayer, and I posted it on Facebook as the perfect prayer for ending the year and starting the year. 

For those of you who have a relationship with a prisoner, or who are familiar with the multitude of issues that incarcerated men and women face, take a look at this phrase: 

THOU SON OF THE Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into our world. Wherever…there is pain, wherever there is loneliness, wherever there is no hope, come, thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings. 

Some observations from this 89-year-old prisoner advocate--- 

“wherever there is pain” 

-Physical pain. Our office receives complaints about prison health care on a regular basis. Prison healthcare is generally poor and inadequate. We hear stories about untreated pain, failure by medical personnel to alleviate pain, beatings and fights that result in pain. The New York Times carries a story today about the death of two mentally ill inmates, the result of beatings by guards. Don’t think for a minute that this happens only in New York! 

Personal relationships.  We hear numerous stories about marriages that break up or are in trouble; sad problems between family members like parents, grandparents, children; and ,a failure to even locate kin and loved ones. 

Personal grief. The pain of these fellow human beings is often worsened by the inability to be at the bedside of a dying friend or loved one. It’s painful for those left behind when they are not permitted to attend memorial services, or even just the opportunity to provide comfort in the final days of a friend or relative.

“where there is loneliness”

A former warden tells me that about 80% of Michigan prisoners receive no visits! Some years ago I visited a friend behind bars. He had been locked up for 30 years. He informed me that I was his first visitor! We have no idea as to the depth of loneliness experienced by the incarcerated. 

“where there is no hope” 

Our correctional facilities are filled with people who will never get out, all because of the worst thing they did in their lives. Michigan keeps people in prison longer than any other state.

-An estimated 1,000 prisoners in our state have been wrongly convicted, and yet their hopes fade

-An estimated 100 prisoners in our state are over 80 years of age, couldn’t possibility reoffend if they did get out, but have no hope.

-Many prisoners who have proven that they deserve consideration for clemency are routinely ignored. 

Buechner’s prayer concludes: 

Saviour, be born in each of us who raises his face to thy face, not knowing fully who he is or who thou art, knowing only that thy love is beyond his knowing and that no other has the power to make him whole. Come, Lord Jesus, to each who longs for thee even though he has forgotten thy name. Come quickly. 

A resounding 2026 AMEN!