This is a question I routinely ask God before I head out onto my unit to do rounds.
What I am really asking God is to help me with the following on my rounds:
Keep me safe.
Help me to identify any inmates that are struggling in any way.
Help me to understand the nature of the things the inmates are presenting to me.
Give me wisdom as to how to respond.
Bless the inmates on my unit with peace and purpose.
Give me eyes to see things about an inmate’s cell that may be a sign that something is amiss.
Help me to be patient and respectful, no matter how an inmate responds to me.
So, when I ask God, “Shall we round?”, I am asking Him to literally go with me, cell to cell. I could make it through rounds without Him, but I don’t want to. I need every ounce of help He is willing to graciously give me.
I suppose I could say a prayer like, “Okay God, from here on out, help me on rounds”, but I like to acknowledge my need for God daily, and to let Him know that He is part of my life every day.
I wonder if there is something you would like to invite God to join you in each day? Maybe it would help if you considered an area of your life that is challenging to you, and then ask Him to join with it.
May I leave you with some lyrics from a song called, “Lord, I need You”? I know it is a song that is really about going to God and acknowledging our sinful nature, but I like singing these words in many different situations.
Lord, I come, I confess
Bowing here I find my rest
Without You I fall apart
You’re the One that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
For Jesus,
Rob