Become a regular Prayer Supporter and join us in praying for our chaplains, those at work and those facing unemployment and the economy…
We have started holding regular, online Prayer Meetings of half hour roughly once a month, at lunchtime. They start with a short reflection, leading to a written prayer and then some bullet points of intentions for prayer, which we used in a time of more open prayer. These are posted here for those who wish to pray in their own time.
February 2022
Next online Prayer Meeting held via Zoom is scheduled for XXth February 2022 from 1:00pm – 1:30pm. We have a recurring Zoom link for joining in. If you require the link to be sent to you, please email.
January 2022
At the turn of the year one headline in the news was the call for businesses and workplaces to plan for 25% sickness rates, as Omicron infections continue at a high level. This has already made an impact on transport, the NHS and education but is set to be a significant challenge over coming weeks across the whole economy, especially where people are unable to work from home.
We are reminded in this that the pandemic is far from over, and that the pressures workers and those who have to manage the situation have to face continue. As we reflect on this in our prayers in this Christmas and Epiphany season we hold on to the hope of what the incarnation means – God being with us – in the midst of the crises and challenges of life. Jesus and his parents had to flee as refugees from the terror of Herod, and in the gifts of the magi we see a foreshadowing of the cross and Christ sharing the suffering of the world.
Almighty God, in the birth of Jesus, and his revealing as your Son and our Saviour,
Give us faith, and courage, to pray for those people and places
that are searching for hope, and meaning in the midst of continuing challenges;
that all may receive the gracious gift
of yourself, your light and your life, manifested in Christ;
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Hope for all who feel hopeless and drained and in need of encouragement.
- Those suffering from COVID and those under greater strain as a result of staff absences.
- All who work under pressure in the NHS and education sectors as the pandemic continues and the new school term begins.
- Small businesses and those who are self-employed who have no-one to fall back on.
- Those working from home, that all may overcome the blurring of roles that place pressure on home life and relationships.
- Chaplains with Faith at Work in Worcestershire (FWW), and other workplace chaplains around the country, seeking to stay safe and maintain contact with those they regularly visit.
- The Discover Chaplaincy session (January 26th) aimed at encouraging new volunteers from across the county, and the planned training course starting on February 10th.
- New opportunities for chaplaincy in places and sectors of the economy where there are no FWW chaplains as yet.
- For trustees and staff planning for the year ahead in promoting chaplaincy and tackling the challenges of developing the work of FWW.
Almighty God, in Jesus, who wept for his friend Lazarus, and for Jerusalem, we see your tears for the suffering of each person, and for the world. We pray, bring your love and compassion to all who continue to suffer as a result of COVID – through sickness and death, or in the economic changes that it has caused.
As Jesus rose from death and now reigns over all so bring new life and hope where there has been darkness and despair; by your Holy Spirit inspire your people to act with care and compassion and work for a fair sharing of the health resources so desperately needed.
We pray in the name of the risen, ascended and glorified Jesus. Christ our Lord.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Those now back at work in the retail sector, especially those anxious about their safety at work.
- Those now looking for new work, having been made redundant.
- Those continuing to work from home, or who continue to be furloughed, especially those who feel isolated.
- Those experiencing mental illness through stress as a result of their employment situation.
- International cooperation to ensure those in countries where vaccines and resources are scarce can get their fair share.
- A spirit of selflessness, as lockdown eases, that all may think of others before themselves and not put others at risk by how they behave.
- Those whose work during lockdown has been relentless and who are exhausted that they may find rest and peace.
- Chaplains as they return to visiting workplaces, for the right words as they reconnect.
- Those who recently completed training as chaplains, as they discern their next steps.
- Wisdom to know how to reduce inequality and injustice in our global economy and safeguard the environment.
- Give thanks for signs of hope and new beginnings.
You can find prayers from earlier years here: