Deacon Joe's Musings is a spiritual resource for prison inmates or hospital patients who wish to deepen their Christian faith. Though "shut in" or "locked up" under different circumstances, prisoners and patients endure similar limitations, isolation and lack of hope. Serving both as a Prison Chaplain and Hospital Chaplain, Deacon Joe McDonnell is well aware of the spiritual issues facing those who no longer frequent the world outside. Issues facing patients and prisoners are addressed in the reflections for the five major sections of the book -Compassion and Forgiveness; Prayer and Thanksgiving; Faith, Hope, Love; Mission and Service; and Kingdom of Heaven. The "musings" also offer the Chaplain a tool for ministering to the incarcerated and shut-in. Following each musing are questions for the patient or prisoner to answer and discuss with the Chaplain or in groups, as appropriate.