ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who work in the armed forces

Soldiers, Sailors and members of the Royal Air Force. Military Police Officers and civilian staff in the armed forces, military bases and installations. Defence industry workers, uniform makers and staff at the Ministry of Defence. Staff of the Royal British Legion and other charities that support service personnel. NAAFI staff. Members of the Territorial Army, Royal Navy Reserve, the Merchant Navy and cadet forces.

God of all nations, Your word has summoned armies to war and in Christ you declare blessing on those who work for peace. So we thank you for those situations in which our armed forces are able to protect the vulnerable, secure peace and establish justice. We confess that through our human failings, war and conflict remain a part of our world and recognise the blame that we all must share. We pray that those who command armed forces that they will find wisdom in the difficult decisions they have to make. We pray for those who through conflict face danger and peril in the service of others; protect them as they seek to protect their fellow human beings, and may we always use the weapons of war only in the service of the greater good of all humanity. Through Jesus our Lord. 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.