Prayer And Share
The Enduring Light: Prayer and Share at Polunsky Unit
The Polunsky Unit in Livingston, Texas, stands as one of the most challenging environments in the state's correctional system. Within these maximum-security walls, the Kairos Prison Ministry operates through the essential structure of Prayer and Share. This continuing ministry is the lifeline that sustains hope, builds community, and ensures the seeds of faith planted during the Kairos Inside Weekends continue to grow.
What They Do: Building Accountability in Isolation
Prayer and Share is the small group fellowship structure that maintains the spiritual vitality of the Kairos community at Polunsky. Given the restrictions of a maximum-security unit, these gatherings are often the only opportunity for sustained, structured, Christ-centered connection.
The meetings are designed to move participants past superficial interaction into genuine, spiritual accountability. While the specifics may adapt to the unit's security protocols, the spiritual focus remains consistent:
Mutual Intercession
Participants pray for one another's personal needs, families, and safety.
Scripture and Reflection
Sharing a guiding scripture and reflecting on how they applied God’s love and grace in their lives during the previous week.
Accountability
Group members seek forgiveness for failures, confess struggles, and commit to specific positive actions for the coming week.
Forgiveness and Leadership
The focus is on embracing God’s forgiveness and empowering the residents to lead and pastor one another within the confines of the Unit.
“Prayer and Share is where the message of the weekend becomes the daily practice of discipleship.”
Who Is Invited: The Inside Community
- The Residents (The Inside Community): All incarcerated individuals at Polunsky Unit who have attended a Kairos Weekend are the heart of the Prayer and Share groups. Due to the high security and often solitary nature of the unit, this community is a critical necessity. They meet regularly (often weekly or bi-weekly, depending on unit clearance) in small groups, with the goal of being self-led and self-sustaining.
- The Volunteers (The Outside Community): Dedicated Kairos volunteers return on a structured, regular basis to facilitate the larger gathering and offer spiritual encouragement, but the core small-group accountability is deliberately placed in the hands of the residents. This is key to developing indigenous Christian leadership inside the Unit.
Who Is Invited: The Inside Community
- The Residents (The Inside Community): All incarcerated individuals at Polunsky Unit who have attended a Kairos Weekend are the heart of the Prayer and Share groups. Due to the high security and often solitary nature of the unit, this community is a critical necessity. They meet regularly (often weekly or bi-weekly, depending on unit clearance) in small groups, with the goal of being self-led and self-sustaining.
- The Volunteers (The Outside Community): Dedicated Kairos volunteers return on a structured, regular basis to facilitate the larger gathering and offer spiritual encouragement, but the core small-group accountability is deliberately placed in the hands of the residents. This is key to developing indigenous Christian leadership inside the Unit.
Let’s Make a Difference Together
Ready to impact lives at the Polunsky Unit? At Kairos of Texas, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about our ministry, reach out! Your involvement can foster hope and transformation. Together, let’s create lasting change!
