ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who work in the retail industry

Supermarket and hypermarket staff, corner and village shop proprietors, market traders, staff of convenience stores, jewellers, DIY stores, drapers, booksellers, newsagents, greeting card shops and tobacconists. Staff of second hand shops, clothes exchanges and department stores. Those who manage shopping precincts, retail parks and markets. Window Dressers, shop fitters and suppliers of shop fittings and point of sale equipment.

God of all things, we live in a society dominated by shopping, at times we sense it has taken the place for many, that once belonged to worship and commitment to your Church. Yet the sale and exchange of goods is a vial part of our communal existence, and the availability of fair-traded and organic products remind us that retailers too have their part to play in fulfilling the vision of your kingdom. So we give you thanks for all those whose labours provide us with the retail opportunities we have. Help us not to abuse those opportunities, and help those of us who work in the retail sector to undertake our task sensing the presence of the one who was no stranger to a carpenter’s shop. Through 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.