ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who supply stationery, office products and support services

Clerks, receptionists, telephonists, secretaries, book keepers, keyboard and computer operators, copy typists and proof readers. Manufacturers and suppliers of printers, fax machines, photocopiers and office equipment. Contract cleaners, office hygiene contractors, janitors, security and door staff and providers of office services. Repair and maintenance engineers of office equipment, office furniture makers, archive and storage providers and those who work for office moving companies.

Caring God, we all face situations where the quiet and often unnoticed support and efficiency of others enables us to thrive better; we easily press the button on the copier without a thought for those who design and maintain it; place the order and forget the efforts of those who will process, pack and deliver it; throw yesterday’s memos in the basket hardly recognising that someone will have to empty it. Forgive us Lord, if the only time we do notice is when these things go wrong. And in our working lives, we too will often be the ones whose work is unseen and taken for granted. Yet we remember that You notice, just as You noticed the tiny offering of a poor widow and gave it infinite value, not because of its material worth, but the spirit in which it was given. So we give thanks to You for those people whose efforts provide the space, the equipment and the ancillary services that make it possible for us to work in comfort. No matter what part we play in the greater scheme of things, may we approach it in a spirit of Christian service that gives appropriate value to everything and everyone that impacts our working lives. 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.