Commissioning Prayer

Corrections Chaplain — Laying on of Hands

(Leader note: Read straight through. Where you see brackets, fill in the details. Choose ONE optional insert—A, B, C, or D—and delete the others.)

1) Opening & Introduction (30 seconds)

Leader:

Today, we gather here as a local expression of Christ’s Church at [Name of place—church / home / community setting / Soul Center] in [City, State].

We are here because ordination is always local. It is lived out in real places, among real people, with prayer and witnesses. A study-based ordination pathway has been completed, and this local and public commissioning completes the biblical pattern through prayer and the laying on of hands.

The Church is not only a building. The Church is God’s people gathered in Jesus’ name—sent into the world to bring presence, prayer, and hope.

Optional insert — choose one:

A — Local Church Partnership
In partnership with [Name of Church], we commission [Name] to serve as a Corrections Chaplain—bringing pastoral care, Scripture, and prayer (with consent) to incarcerated people and those impacted by incarceration, and offering steady presence in high-pressure environments.

B — Facility / Department Context
In connection with [Name of jail / prison / detention center / ministry program] in [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as a chaplain who will walk alongside those living and working inside corrections—bringing Christ-centered care into moments of crisis, grief, conflict, and spiritual searching under facility policy and wise boundaries.

C — Soul Center / Community Chaplaincy
As a Soul Center in [City/Region], we commission [Name] to serve as a Corrections Chaplain—offering presence, prayer, encouragement, and discipleship connection for incarcerated people, returning citizens, and families with wisdom and steady compassion.

D — Reentry & Family Support Focus
In this community of [City/Region], we recognize [Name] as a Corrections Chaplain with a heart for restoration—walking with incarcerated people, returning citizens, and families through shame, loss, rebuilding trust, and life transitions with the hope of Jesus Christ.

Leader (continue):

Today, we publicly commission [Name] for ministry as a Corrections Chaplain, affirming their training, character, and calling to serve with pastoral presence, prayer, and Christ-centered care—under facility policy, safety expectations, and wise boundaries.

2) Scripture (15–20 seconds)

Leader:

Hear the Word of God:

“The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.”
—Psalm 34:18 (WEB)

3) Recognition of Preparation (15 seconds)

Leader:

[Name] has completed chaplaincy preparation and has been recognized through a study-based ordination pathway. Now, as a local Christian community, we complete this process by commissioning [Name] publicly in prayer.

4) Charge (20 seconds)

Leader (to Candidate):

[Name], as a Corrections Chaplain, you are entrusted with bringing Christ’s presence into a world where many carry shame, grief, anger, trauma exposure, moral weight, and deep spiritual hunger.

Serve with humility and courage. Listen deeply. Speak gently. Pray faithfully.
Be a steady presence in crisis, a comfort in grief, and a clear witness to the hope of Jesus Christ—without rescuing, controlling, manipulating, or compromising integrity.

5) Questions (20–30 seconds)

Leader:

Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior and affirm the Bible as the Word of God?
Candidate: I do, God helping me.

Do you believe God has called you to serve as a Corrections Chaplain?
Candidate: I do, God helping me.

Do you commit to serve incarcerated people, staff (as appropriate), and families impacted by incarceration with compassion, confidentiality (as policy allows), and integrity?
Candidate: I do, God helping me.

Do you agree to walk in accountability—and if you stray from the Christian walk, will you notify appropriate leaders and vacate this ordination?
Candidate: I do, God helping me.

6) Laying on of Hands & Prayer (45 seconds)

(Leader and/or elders place hands gently on the candidate.)

Leader:

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father,
we thank You for [Name] and for the calling You have placed upon their life.

As we lay hands upon them today, we recognize and bless what You have already begun.
Guide them by Your Word. Fill them with Your Spirit. Guard their life and witness.

Grant them wisdom in complex situations,
discernment in spiritual conversations,
and compassion for those carrying trauma, grief, fear, regret, and moral weight.

Help them serve with steady boundaries, integrity, and courage—
bringing peace in conflict, hope in despair, and truth with grace.

Bless those living behind bars.
Strengthen staff who carry heavy responsibility.
Comfort families who bear the unseen weight of incarceration.
And use this ministry to bring light into dark places through Jesus Christ.

We commission and send [Name] now,
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

7) Final Declaration & Blessing (10–15 seconds)

Leader:

By prayer and the laying on of hands, we publicly commission you, [Name], as a Corrections Chaplain—locally affirmed and prayerfully sent to serve Christ within corrections settings and the wider community.

Go in the strength, peace, and protection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.