ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who work in horticulture and gardening

Market gardeners, ornamental & landscape gardeners, allotment holders, seedsmen, organic gardeners, bulb-growers, landscapers, foresters, fruit growers, florists, flower arrangers, suppliers of fertilisers, developers of new varieties; manufacturers and servicers of horticultural equipment and lawnmowers, garden centre and nursery staff, agricultural chemical manufacturers, makers of sheds, greenhouses and garden tools.

Creator God, You have given to all humanity an ability to manage and tend the soil, in your fatherly care, please look with kindness on all who work in horticulture. For those researching new varieties and techniques give wisdom and care. For those managing nurseries and farms give insight and clarity of thought. For those who labour over the crops give strength and resilience of mind and body. May respect for the created earth and satisfaction in work be given to all. May common humanity govern work relationships and may justice and compassion characterise the attitudes of all who work in the industry. So, may your plans and purposes for harmony in your creation become a closer reality through Jesus Christ, 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.