The name ‘Shemayah’ (שְׁמַעְיָה in Hebrew) means ‘God listens‘.
- Shemayah is a Prayer Team that intercedes for Inmates.
‘Shemayah’ is not just a group of Christians praying for inmates, it is a Prayer Team that primarily intercedes for inmates. How is that different? Shemayah receives prayer requests from inmates, so our prayers are primarily drawn from the current petitions, needs, struggles & frustrations (etc.) of those ‘inside’.
Simply put, we connect with them, pray along side them – and intercede for them. As group, we ultimately share the desire to reach those in Jail or Prison with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:16-20), through the power of prayer and the demonstration of faith by seeking God on their behalf (intercession).
God calls us to approach his ‘throne of grace’ with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), but for many in incarceration, the assurance of God’s attention seems unreachable, or at least undeserved. Incarceration can be an overwhelming experience of futility and hopelessness. Whether the first time or one of many, short term or life without parole – being ‘behind bars’ is a disruption to anyone’s sense of value or purpose. But, God clearly shows how vast his love for us is, and that our own demise through sinfulness will not limit his desire for a relationship with us, or his desire to set us free from the bondage that ensues.
Romans 5:8 declares:
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us
As sinners, we all need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Those in incarceration are no different. Through the offering of prayer, we testify to our confidence that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:27) – that no-one is out of reach of His love. It is also an encouragement for the inmates to grow in their personal faith and prayer life, not only to seek God with their own petitions, but to help cultivate prayers for those around them
Philippians 4:6:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
If you have a heart for the broken, the guilty, the shamed, the damaged, the shunned – please prayerfully consider joining with us to pray. Journey with inmates through prayer and see them grow in their faith while God transforms their lives – removing their garments of shame, and clothing them with joy (Psalm 30:11)! Click on the following links for more information or to register:
- More information
- Registration – Get Involved!