Economic headlines recently have been dominated by uncertainty. Talk of tariffs and their impact on global trade and local jobs;[1] the chancellor’s spring statement and what that means for those who rely on welfare payments;[2] the future of steel making in the UK,[3] are just three examples. In my chaplaincy I increasingly meet people who are anxious about the future of their jobs, including in the public sector, because of budget constraints leading to restructuring of jobs, even redundancies. As chaplains we can offer no quick fix, beyond being prepared to listen and encourage someone to express their anxieties. Invariably this sharing of the burden helps and, as St Paul tells us, by ‘sharing that burden, so we fulfil the law of Christ’ (Gal 6 v2). We can also pray for those we meet.
Uncertainty also characterises the spiritual journey of these weeks, as we follow Jesus to Jerusalem and the cross. And that uncertainty remains, even after the resurrection joy of Easter Day. ‘What does this now mean?’, was a question for his startled disciples, as it is still for us. Where and how do we see the Resurrection revealed in the world? How will we pray for that Resurrection to touch the lives of those whose burdens we share?
Heavenly Father, as Jesus prayed in the garden for your will to be done,
and through the cross and resurrection
revealed your redeeming love to the world;
so lead us to pray for the coming of your Kingdom, the hope of resurrection,
in all things, in our lives, our work, our economy.
Amen.
Especially we pray for:
- Those who are anxious about the future of their jobs, or whose jobs are changing as a result of budget constraints in the public sector – that they may have someone to speak to as they navigate these uncertain times.
- Those facing redundancy, and the prospect of looking for new work in challenging economic times.
- Owners and managers of businesses having to make difficult decisions, and communicate difficult news to employees – for grace and compassion in how they do this.
- Politicians navigating uncertainty in the global economy, for wisdom in their decisions.
- FWW in its work of supporting the mission of the Church, through chaplaincy and theological reflection on the issues of work and economy.
- Chaplains as they visit and engage with workers anxious for their job security.
- The continuing FWW Chaplaincy Impact Survey, gathering feedback from those involved with our chaplaincy work, and that it will help us plan for chaplaincy over the next three years.
- New trustees to help shape our work as FWW changes to a volunteer led charity later this year.
- In our cycle of prayer for the work of FWW, volunteers and staff, this month we pray for Chaplains in Redditch Town Centre: Paul Lawlor (team leader), Elaine Whitfield, Sharon Forrest, Linda McRoy – visiting shop workers in the Kingfisher Shopping Centre, and for new chaplains to join the team.
[1] US tariffs a ‘significant shift’ for Malvern car company – BBC News;
See also Family-owned Kidderminster carpet shop closes after almost a century – BBC News
[2] What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who will be affected? – BBC News
[3] British Steel closure threat puts up to 2,700 jobs at risk – BBC News
