ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who support us in dealing with death and bereavement

Undertakers, coroners, coffin makers, grave diggers, embalmers, crematorium staff, registrars of death, mortuary attendants, bereavement counsellors, obituary writers, funeral orators, monumental masons, tenders of gardens of remembrance and cemeteries, authors and composers of words and music for use at funeral and memorial services and wakes, transplant specialists using donated organs, and executors.

Redeeming God, you are the author of life and hold the keys to human destiny in Your hands. You promise through faith in Jesus Christ, life that is eternal, but death it's earthy doorway, remains painful to encounter. Be with all who walk through the valley of death's shadow and accept our thanks for the many people who in different ways make that path easier to tread. Their dealings with others will so often be in the midst of sorrow and despair, so we pray that You will keep their spirits from being downcast; and in a society that prefers to hide death away, may we give their labours the value and recognition that are deserved. We ask this in the Name of the one who encountered and defeated death on our behalf and has gone before us to His eternal reign. 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.