After what feels like a long, cold winter signs of Spring are appearing. Green shoots in the garden, lighter afternoons and warmer temperatures point us towards the season of new beginnings and new life. This is in contrast to much that darkens the experience of work and economy for many. Strikes continue, inflation and energy bills remain stubbornly high, and uncertainty continues.
But chaplaincy also continues. Whilst listening and so sharing the burdens people experience, chaplains are also beacons of hope. Part of the task of a chaplain is to look for signs of new life in the experiences people share, and help them to see that for themselves. A chaplain, simply by being there and taking an interest as a caring presence, lifts the spirit and invites others to see things in a new light.
Lighten our darkness, and the darkness of those we serve,
we beseech thee, O Lord;
and by thy great mercy defend all for whom we pray,
from all perils and dangers of this world.
Give to all renewed hope;
lift up the fallen, and strengthen the faint-hearted.
That in Jesus Christ, the light of the world, all may know your love and presence.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Hope for all who feel hopeless and drained and in need of encouragement.
- Those on low pay, or a fixed income, for whom high costs of fuel and food brings anxiety.
- Those involved with and affected by strikes and industrial action, and all concerned for negotiating settlements – for wisdom and compassion.
- Peace in Ukraine, and between nations caught up in conflict that impacts the economy.
- New volunteers to come forward as chaplains.
- New opportunities for chaplaincy in places and sectors of the economy where there are no FWW chaplains as yet.
- In our cycle of prayer this month:
- FWW Chaplains in Redditch – Paul Lawlor, Sarah Leeson, Malcolm Wilkes, Sharon Forrest, Elaine Whitfield and Jules Bird.
- FWW Trustees, those representing the Roman Catholic Church – Christine Dodd and Christopher Harvey.