Sample Letters of Encouragement for Inmates

We’re so glad you’ve chosen to write to an inmate — your letter will provide hope to someone behind bars! We know that writing to an inmate can feel intimidating at first, so we’ve gathered up some sample letters of encouragement for inmates for you to use as templates as you start:

If an inmate sends you a prayer request, you can say:

• Thank you for your prayer request. Psalm 91:5 says: “When they call to Me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them.” Jesus is always a prayer away, isn’t that amazing?
• I have prayed Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6:10-21 over you and your loved ones. There is incredible power in God’s Word spoken in faith. His Word will protect, provide, prevail, and empower you to live victoriously every day. Keep building your faith by reading and studying His Word! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). God will lead you.

If an inmate shares how God is working in their life, you can say:

• It is such a blessing to hear how God is working in your life. It encourages me in my own walk! Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” It is obvious He is helping you and He will continue to work in your life.

If an inmate wants to know Jesus, you can say:

• Dear ______, Thank you for your letter. I appreciate your honesty and am glad you desire to know Jesus. Well, I have some GOOD NEWS for you. Jesus longs to have a relationship with you. You don’t have to beg or do anything to qualify yourself, all you have to do is receive Him into your life by faith. Salvation and a relationship with God is a gift. And just like any gift, you have to receive it. (See John 1:12.) You do this by first asking God for forgiveness of your sin. Then, you accept what Jesus did on the cross. He died to pay the price of your sin. Next, you repent of your sin. That means you turn from your sin and go the other direction. You receive Jesus by faith, not through your good works. I hope you will do this today.

If an inmate asks for help with legal matters, you can say:

• I’m sorry but we are unable to handle legal work or make contact with individuals in or out of prison on your behalf. Our ministry is strictly held to guidelines and state law. What we can do is claim God’s promise in Zechariah 4:6 on your behalf: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord who is Almighty.” God’s Spirit will guide your steps. Begin to claim Proverbs 3:5-18 and trust in His Word to work on your behalf. Remember that when you read the Word of God each day, it is like watering a garden. God’s Word will help you bear much fruit in your life.

If an inmate is trying to move forward in life, you can say:

• I’m so happy to hear how you are walking with God. Keep making good choices right now, right where you are. Your choices today determine your destiny. Regardless of your past, God longs to bring good from the bad, and give you a new beginning! Jesus loves you and He will give you His grace and His power to live boldly for Him each and everyday.

If an inmate is facing hard times, you can say:

• I’m sure that the challenges you face in prison must be so real—Satan is everywhere. He roams the earth, seeking to devour people. But, praise the Lord, Greater is God that is in you and me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Put on the full armor of God every day (Ephesians 6:10-21) and fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). Stand in the Power of God’s Might. He is Jehovah God and He is faithful. Jesus has already won the victory! You will have to fight many battles, but never forget that the WAR is already won, in Jesus’ name.
• We are encouraged that you are growing in faith and understanding of the plans the Lord has for you. (Jer 29:11)
• Do you know God is not keeping a track record of your mistakes! When you pray and ask our Heavenly Father God to forgive your mistakes, He does. Isaiah 43:25 says “As far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” The devil would like you to constantly dwell on your mistakes but as you can see from the scripture above, that is not what our Heavenly Father wants you to do. Keep your focus on the fact that you are forgiven! Jesus’ precious blood has cleansed you from all sin. Keep reading your Bible every day and you will be amazed at how strong your mind and spirit will become.

If an inmate is about to be released

• I believe that God is able to use you in a mighty and powerful way! Stay in God’s Word and trust Him to take care of you. Pray that God will lead you to a church that will help you grow in your faith. Be wise in who you hang around. Don’t give the devil any ground in your life.

Need more help with your letter? Our How To Write A Letter To An Inmate page for helpful tips on how to get started with an inmate letter writing ministry. Check out the Prison Ministry Resources page for other helpful prison ministry tools.

If you’d like to learn more about Victorious Living, check out our free magazine for inmates, the inspirational videos on our YouTube page, and our inspirational stories online to discover more about our prison outreach ministry.