ICF - This week's Prayer Focus

Entertainers, Artists and performers

Orchestral conductors and musicians, precentors, vocalists jazz players, soloists, choristers, organists, ensemble players, members of steel bands, folk singers, virtuoso players, early music specialists, actors and actresses, directors and producers, ballet dancers, ice dancers, opera singers, understudies, comedians, jugglers, acrobats, clowns, conjurers, poetry readers and street artists.

Living God, who in Christ became one of us; made wine flow freely at a wedding feast; took centre stage at the party of a tax-collector; and told stories that transfixed dinner-guests, we thank you for that capacity to entertain and be entertained that is part of our identity as human beings. Your purpose for humanity is to dwell in community; community that is enriched by the diversity of skills and talents, compositions and productions that so many have devised and developed. And so we pray for all those whose occupation is to perform and entertain; through the giving and sharing of their skills may they not only bring pleasure and recreation to others, but also find enrichment for themselves. 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.