With the prayer circle scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025, we anxiously watched the weather all week long. But God is faithful and the rain cleared out on Friday. It was humid but clear for the prayer circle.
More than 100 people gathered with us on Friday evening to form a circle around the jail. The Forsyth County Detention Center operates on the city block of Second, Church, Third, and Chestnut Streets in downtown Winston-Salem. Tall and imposing, the detention center houses more than 800 men and women who have been arrested and are awaiting disposition of their cases. It is a difficult place to live for any period of time.
The jail staff also experiences difficulty in their working environment. Our chaplains are privileged to minister to the staff in a myriad of ways, just as they minister to the inmates daily.
Prayer is Vital
All of this is to say that prayer for the jail–the inmates and the staff–is vital. Our annual prayer circle brings together people of faith from multiple denominations and churches in our city. As we spread out around the block, some prefer to pray silently by themselves. Others gather in small groups to read scripture and pray together. Our prayer time ends as we sing Amazing Grace together.
The inmates watch from their windows and knock on the glass to let us know they are there. Attendees wave to let the inmates know they are heard. People walking down the sidewalks or stopped at stop lights ask what we are doing. Most respond very positively.
Join Us in Prayer
All in all, the prayer circle is making an impact in our community. We invite you to join us in prayer throughout the year. Here are some prayer points to help guide your prayers.
Pray for:
- inmates hearts to be softened and changed by God’s love
- families who are left to raise children alone
- staff who supervise and care for the inmates
- God’s peace and healing for victims of crime
- reduction of violence in our community
- reentry into society for those being released from jail
- volunteers who lead weekly Bible studies and worship services
- chaplains who minister daily
