ICF - Prayer Focus

Those who work with the earth and its elements

Miners, quarry workers, sand, gravel and aggregate suppliers, Oil industry workers, suppliers of base metals, bottled gas suppliers, Tunnellers, peat cutters, those who work in excavation and earth movement. Geological and mining engineers, metal smelters, diamond and precious stone dealers, archaeologists and palaeontologists.

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it - every strata of rock; every hidden gem; the deepest sea-bed and the layers of fossil far below the its surface, all lie within Your gaze O Lord. You were there when oil and coal were once the teeming life that filled the land and oceans, you made the inferno that caused rocks to melt into hardened gems. So as we take the earth's deposits and forge strong metals and intricate jewels, re-shape its contours and harvest its fuel; as we face the hazards of digging deep into its surface and excavate its resources, may the magnitude of our task speak to us afresh of the power and knowledge of its Creator. And so may we see this earth and ourselves in the way that we should, a gift that is ours to steward and respect. 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.