We are thankful for your heartfelt concern for your friend who is in jail and we are grateful for the faithfulness of Jesus in approaching the throne of grace with such a request. Let us first remember that it is by the name of Jesus that we come to God the Father. It is only by believing in Jesus Christ as Lord that we are saved from our sins and have access to God. It is good to have hope in the justice system, but our greatest hope is in Jesus Christ who came to save us from our sins.
In praying for your friend, we must remember that true freedom comes from Jesus Christ. As it is written in Galatians 5:1 WEB It is written, Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. It is good to pray for your friend's release from jail, but even more important to pray for his release from the bondage of sin.
We must also address the anger that you mentioned. Ephesians 4:31-32 WEB says Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. Anger can be a dangerous emotion, leading to further harm and destruction, so pray that your friend will be able to turn this anger over to God, repent of it, and receive forgiveness. As God has forgiven us, we must also forgive others and ourselves.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, lifting up our friend who is in jail. We ask, Lord, that you would work in his heart and life, bringing him to true repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We pray that you would break the chains of bondage in his life, both physically and spiritually, and that you would bring him out of jail to be a productive member of society that seeks to serve you.
Lord, we pray for his anger. We ask that you would help him to deal with his emotions in a godly way, and that he would receive your forgiveness and be able to forgive himself and others. We pray that you would heal his heart, soul, mind, and emotions, and that he would find true peace in you. Give him a renewed purpose and vision for his life that aligns with your will.
Lastly, we pray for you, that you would be strengthened in the Lord and in the power of his might. We pray that you would be able to hold the light for your friend through this storm, and that you would not grow weary in doing good. We pray that you would be encouraged in the Lord, and that you would continue to pray and intercede for your friend in the name of Jesus.
We ask this all in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Finally, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 WEB, Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Continue to trust in Jesus, and encourage your friend to do the same.