I sit at my desk, beads of sweat rolling down my face. I hear the steady blast of large fans in the dayroom. My own fan moves the air in my room much more gently. The ketunk ketunk of the ping pong ball is an almost constant sound throughout the day and early night. Monotonous sounds. Dull, just as my life behind these walls. Each day, each night are always the same.
I know I must serve my time to pay for all the wrongs I have done, but Lord, let me use this time for good. Father, help me to see past the ordinary. Help me to recognize Your hand at work – yes, even in this prison. Help me to appreciate little things that I would otherwise not notice. Help me to take the time to stop to help someone in need. Make me stop to listen to a fellow prisoner who wants to talk.
Grant me eyes to see You in others, Lord, and ears to hear You speak. Let my words be loving words. Guide my feet to remain on the path that You have set, oh Lord. Protect me from the evil that surrounds me. Allow me, Lord, to live a life that is anything but ordinary.
The Prisoner's Prayer Book 