ICF - Prayer Focus

Those whose work involves housing and the housing market

Architects, quantity surveyors and structural engineers; house builders, suppliers of building materials and mobile home manufacturers; estate agents and conveyancers; housing association staff, municipal housing staff and staff at housing benefit offices; landlords and staff of serviced apartments and housing units; houseboat builders, staff of hostels for the homeless and suppliers of bed and breakfast accommodation and providers of sites for travellers.

Living God, who left your home in heaven, knew what it meant to have no home, and graced the houses of rich and poor, righteous and outcast with your presence; your commands and laws reflect your concern that every member of society should dwell in conditions that are secure and decent. Forgive us if we imagine that the provision of housing and the nature of human dwellings lies beyond your concern. So we pray for those in our society whose work provides accommodation in all its forms. May those who can affect the nature of housing, fulfil their task in sympathy with those who will inhabit it; may those who manage resources act with compassion and justice; and those who stand to gain financially not abuse their position. Help each to sense the part they play in fulfilling your purpose for the wellbeing of humanity. AMEN

Regular prayer for the world of work can be a significant feature in Sunday services. ICF seeks to provide a variety of resources to help those who prepare these. Prayer of this nature is important because:

• It encourages Christians to see their working lives as part of their Christian Identity
  
  
• It helps those involved in the world of work, particularly when their job makes it difficult to participate in church activities, to feel affirmed and valued.
  
  
• It is a vital part of our intercessory responsibility to the community around us.
  
  
• It communicates a faith that is relevant to real issues to those who visit our churches
  

Each week, we highhlight different groups of workers and encourage our members and followers to particularly pray for people who work in that sector. We also encourage local churches to include regular prayers for the world of work

As you pray, Consider what might be said in the context of thanksgiving, confession and intercession, both for the workers concerned and for those present.