Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love

by Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton

"Prisons and Prayer; Or, a Labor of Love" by Elizabeth Ryder Wheaton is a heartfelt account of the author's two-decade-long mission work among prisoners and marginalized individuals, written in the early 20th century. The book details Wheaton's experiences as a prison evangelist, highlighting her commitment to spreading the gospel in prisons, reformatories, and other places of despair. Through her narrative, Wheaton aims to bring awareness to the harsh realities faced by inmates while sharing stories of redemption and faith. The opening of this volume introduces Wheaton’s profound call to prison ministry, sparked by her early experiences of loss and grief as an orphan. She shares pivotal moments that ignited her passion for helping those incarcerated, particularly her encounters with individuals behind bars that stirred her compassion and sense of purpose. Notably, she recounts her struggles with personal tragedies, the powerful comfort she found in her faith, and the divine mandate she felt to serve those whom society had largely abandoned. The narrative sets the stage for her ongoing mission, underscoring the dire need for compassion, understanding, and spiritual support for the incarcerated.