In Court…

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I have not been in court for awhile.

Before the pandemic, I regularly attended criminal court in our historic courthouse as a volunteer court observer. I prayed silently for the judge, the lawyers, and the people who have gotten themselves in trouble with the law.

The causes of criminal behaviour are common everywhere: poverty, and society’s lack of care or understanding of human needs, emotions, and motivations. And of course, there is the underlying issue of human sin.

In our town, as in many places, alcoholism and substance abuse play a large part in criminal behaviour.

‘Charlene’ is a regular in court because she threatens people when she has been drinking and loses her social inhibitions.

‘Steve’ is a regular too. On his last time in court he was found guilty of stealing from the liquor store.

‘George’ is waiting sentencing after his 5th DUI conviction.

‘Gloria’ spends her money on substances, and, while hungry, broke into a local establishment to get food. (Our local food bank is usually almost empty).

Rehabilitation services are greatly needed on our island, as they are almost everywhere.

Although Western Society considers alcoholism as a disease, there are world religions which consider alcohol consumption to be SIN.

Because I see so many people who cause trouble for themselves and others, through consuming alcohol, I choose not to drink it. Of course, I respect the decision of those who choose to drink.

I keep coming to court to observe and to pray, because I know that through the power of the Holy Spirit, people can change their behaviours.

Jesus said that he came not for the righteous, but he came to call sinners to repentance. ( Luke 5:32)

I have witnessed the joy of people who have conquered their addictions, and changed their lives for the better. Jesus is in the business of turning Sinners into Saints.

Pictured is our historic courthouse.

*names have been changed

Published by Sally

I am a retired Sociologist/Educator from Ontario. I now live at the very edge of the North American Continent. I spend my time in contemplation, spiritual reading , intercessory prayer, and maintaining a spiritual garden grotto as a place of prayer in my backyard by the Atlantic.

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48 thoughts on “In Court…”

  1. I love this post Sally….sinners to saints….Amen to that…..I agree with you in prayer….may God grant all people stuck in addiction and habits that are inappropriate the grace to quit and see the light…..🤩🙏🏼😃

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  6. Your prayer intervention is so appreciated by me. My heart has been heavy for our judicial system and courts and justice lately also. And going to God with it is the greatest thing we can do. Keep up the great work!❤

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    1. That is a beautiful thing to say, and I thank you for it. 🤗🌻
      Court is a very confusing place. Public Defenders have huge case loads , (unfortunately), and there is so much paperwork !
      And so I go to pray, asking the Holy Spirit into the courtroom, to help all of us.
      And, of course it is humbling, seeing the judge on the high bench. A reminder that I must face the Supreme Judge and give an account of my life one day.
      I greatly appreciate your comment. ⚘

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      1. Sally, you might be interested to know that after reading your post the very next email I opened was from a member of my church, asking for prayer for his sister who was going to court today for a messy custody battle involving some ugly details I won’t get into. I just got another email from him saying EVERY prayer was answered, and they are relieved and rejoicing. Maybe there was a Sally in that court, too. 😉

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    1. Thanks so much, Derrick. In both of our careers, we have witnessed the situations that people can get themselves into. Compassion for others is needed especially when they have made wrong choices. Above all, God is a God of mercy. 🤗

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    1. Thanks, Mercy ! Yes, God is attentive to our prayers, and we have both seen how he can change lives. Let us praise him and thank him for his mercy. 🤗

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  14. What a wonderful thing to do. I suspect many of those people will never have been prayed for. What a gift – to lift them up before God, and to do battle against Satan on their behalf. Beautiful and life changing. Thank you for being an intercessor. Thank you for your heart of compassion.

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  15. loved reading this Sally. God has placed you to do this. I wonder if any other prays for these, your prayers may make all the difference in their lives. so lovely the work of Christ in you. Thank you for sharing.

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  18. This is a powerful ministry, Sally. It is one that many people have not thought about. But, with prayer and help I believe that these people can be saved. May God help them in their time of need. May God continues to strengthen you in your ministry. Thanks for sharing.

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