Preparation for Serving in the Prisons – by volunteer Christian Science chaplain Jeanine Lambert, C.S.

By Jeanine Lambert, C.S.

If this work is calling you – Know that your whole life has been preparation for this calling. (SH 107:3 “God had been graciously preparing me during many years for the reception of this…revelation…”)

Spend time praying specifically for the prison system. (Isa. 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?)

Handle Animal Magnetism thoroughly (Hymn 517:2 Who can separate us from the love of God? Truth is here to shield us with its staff & rod; What is there to harm us when this help is sure? We are more than conquerors; we rest secure.)

Prepare a lesson plan – usually things that speak to you from the Bible Lesson. (Isa 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness; Prepare ye the way of the Lord…)

Listen for where God wants you to go – Listen to the inmates, in particular, meet them where they are in thought. (Isa. 35:8 And an highway shall be there and a way and it shall be called the way of holiness.)

Be willing to completely upend your planned lesson, if necessary. (SH 583:20 Mind is…the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good…) It is animating you!

Ask them what they got from your time together – this often surprised and delighted me! Ask them if they’d like you to pray for them. (Matt. 7:7 Ask and it shall be given, knock and it shall be opened unto you).

Pray to know that “the Word of God, Dvine Science “(SH p.503) is meeting their needs right where they are. The Christ is present in the prisons – you are just a witness. (Hymn 412 The Christ is here(there), all dreams of error breaking…)

And if you can’t remember all these steps then just remember Mrs. Eddy’s quote from Message ‘01 1:19 “Sincerity is greater than genius or talent.”