Not Forgotten: Printables & Group Guide

Letter prompts, verse cards, a card for children, a prayer card, and a four-week support group guide for families of the incarcerated. Free to print.

Letter prompts

Stuck on what to write? Pick one or two. Always check the facility’s mail rules first.

Things to write about

  1. Something ordinary from my day this week…
  2. Something the kids said or did…
  3. A memory of you that made me smile…
  4. What I’m praying for you…
  5. A verse I’m holding onto, and why…
  6. Something I’m looking forward to…

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · NOT FORGOTTEN

Verses to share in a letter

  • “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
  • “The LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy.” Genesis 39:21
  • “Behold, I will do a new thing.” Isaiah 43:19
  • “I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” Isaiah 43:1

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · NOT FORGOTTEN

Cards for you

For the mirror, the car, or your Bible.

“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them.”

Hebrews 13:3

Remembering them is ministry.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · NOT FORGOTTEN

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart.”

Psalm 34:18

Their choices are not my identity.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · NOT FORGOTTEN

For children

For a backpack, a nightstand, or the fridge.

Remember this

  • It is not your fault.
  • You are safe.
  • You are loved.
  • It’s okay to feel sad, mad, or mixed up.
  • God is with you, and God is with your parent too.

“The LORD will take me up.” Psalm 27:10

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS

A prayer for my parent

Dear God, please keep my mom or dad safe. Help them make good choices. Help them know You love them. Help me not to worry. Thank You for loving us both. Amen.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS

Prayer card

Praying for my loved one inside

  • Safety: protect their body and mind.
  • Mercy: show them mercy, as You did Joseph.
  • People: send good people, chaplains and believers.
  • Faith: draw their heart to You.
  • Change: give them a real new start.
  • Home: heal and protect our family.

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS · NOT FORGOTTEN

For my church family

Someone I love is incarcerated. I’m not asking you to fix it, or for details. I’m asking you to pray for us, check on us, and help my children feel like they belong. Thank you.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Galatians 6:2

CLAIMED BY GOD DESIGNS

Four-week support group guide

For families of the incarcerated, church care teams, or two friends. About 45–60 minutes. Keep everything confidential, never ask for details of anyone’s case, and let anyone pass on any question.

Week 1 · Not ashamed

Read: Luke 23:39–43; Isaiah 53:12

  1. What has shame looked like for you in this season?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus stood near those the world rejected?
  3. Who knows what you’re carrying? Who could?

Practice: Pray for each family, and each loved one inside, by first name only.

Week 2 · God in the prison

Read: Genesis 39:20–23; Acts 16:22–34

  1. Where do you hope God is meeting your loved one?
  2. What would “songs at midnight” look like for you?
  3. How do you stay connected, and what makes it hard?

Practice: Write a short letter together, using the prompt card.

Week 3 · The children and the home

Read: Psalm 27:10; Galatians 6:2

  1. How are the children in your life doing?
  2. What practical help do you need most right now?
  3. How could this group carry one burden for someone this month?

Practice: Each person names one specific need. Others offer what they can.

Week 4 · A new thing

Read: Isaiah 43:18–21; Psalm 34:18

  1. What do you hope for, for your loved one and your family?
  2. If someone hurt you, what would freedom look like for you? (No one has to share.)
  3. How can we keep remembering each other?

Practice: Pray Isaiah 43:19 over every family represented.

Between sessions, use the free 7-Day Walk and share the Not Forgotten Hub. More leader resources at Lead a Group.

If you or your children are in danger, call 911. Domestic violence support: 1-800-799-7233.