ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who work in food processing and manufacturing

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Makers of convenience foods, additives and preservatives, bakers, caterers, restaurateurs, staff of delicatessens, fast food chains, transport cafes, fish and chip shops, public houses, brewers, winemakers, vintners, bottlers and canners, greengrocers, butchers, confectioners, chocolate makers, margarine manufacturers, cheese makers, growers and suppliers of herbs and spices, ice cream makers, health food suppliers, poulterers and game dealers

Bountiful God, you invite us to pray for daily bread, yet provide for us so much more. It is easy, O God, in our world of instant mixes, takeaways and ready meals to forget that all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above. We pray for those who work in the food industry, often in difficult conditions and with low pay, to make it easier for us to prepare and enjoy what we eat, and to keep vital supply chains open. May they know Your blessing as they become the channels through which the provision of creation is made available to us. When consumer demands for convenience, flavour and value leave the poor without their just reward, the environment damaged and natural processes undermined, help us, we pray, to enjoy the bounty of Your creation in ways that do not deny others their share in Your goodness. 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.