To Free the Captives
Loving Redeemer,
As Isaiah prophesied, you came to proclaim freedom for captives and release from darkness for prisoners. The imagery of being imprisoned paints a powerful picture of how trapped so many are by their sin. While many experience the physical consequences of their sin, literally serving time behind bars as convicted criminals, Isaiah’s visual applies primarily to those who are figuratively and spiritually captive. For those ensnared by addictions to vices like drugs, alcohol, or pornography, it is as if they are held captive and are slaves to such things. Others feel imprisoned by guilt, unable to free themselves from it no matter how hard they try.
You’ve tasked me as your messenger to proclaim the freedom you won for them. Let me make known to them that your saving work has thrown open all prison doors – those of guilt, addiction, and all other enslavement. Let your gospel be for them the key to set them free, and compel me to go to work with that key as often as possible – the prisoners are waiting to be free!
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.