Prayer in the Economy: February 2021
February begins with Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, February 2nd, (Luke 2 v 22 – 40); and ends well into Lent and our journey with Christ to the Cross. Both are about declaring, at the beginning and end of Jesus’ life on earth, God’s Salvation. In the words of Simeon, as he held the baby Jesus, ‘my eyes have seen Your salvation . .’; in the words of Jesus himself from the cross, ‘It is finished!’(John 19 v 30).
And salvation is what we need in these dark days of COVID – for each person, every family and community, all businesses and workplaces and across our economy. Salvation is not always easy to see in these days, though there are signs of hope, for example in the vaccination programme. And yet we can pray with confidence, for the one in whose name we pray is Jesus – whose name means Saviour.
Lord Jesus, Saviour of the World, by your love and compassion come and save those for whom we pray.
Where there is sickness in mind or body, bring your healing;
Where there is isolation, bring your presence;
Where people have lost their way, bring your light;
In all parts of our economy, in work and trade, education and care, may your salvation be known, through the care, compassion and concern we show for one another, and in the enterprise and inventiveness which human beings, made in your image, are capable of.
Come Lord Jesus.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Those whose work is at risk, and who face the possibility of unemployment.
- All who struggle to make ends meet, especially when government support schemes end.
- Those who are sick and all who mourn.
- All who have responsibility for economic planning in government and business, as we look to the future shape of our economy.
- Wisdom to know how to reduce inequality and injustice in our economy and safeguard the environment.
- Workplace Chaplains, and chaplains in other contexts, reaching out to offer God’s love through the support they offer.
- Those starting the Introduction to Workplace Chaplaincy training course with Faith at Work in Worcestershire, starting on February 17th.
- Jobclubs and all who are exploring in their churches and communities how they can help those experiencing unemployment.
- Those involved with the vaccination programme.
- Give thanks for those signs of hope and salvation, light and new beginnings.