Lenten discipline and the Economy
As Lent begins unusually late this year, March covers most of Lent, and so our theme reflects the Lenten discipline of reflection, fasting and repentance. Coincidentally, for Muslims, Ramadan also falls during March this year. Fasting is more than just giving up chocolate or puddings, and can be part of a spiritual discipline which provides space for prayer and reflection, especially about those things which keep us from following Jesus. Fasting, prayer, study, and reflection (perhaps using a Lent book[1]) can lead to repentance and renewal of our vocation.
This should include time spent considering our part in the economy – as consumers, employers, employees and tax payers. How do our choices as consumers reflect our faith, impact climate change or give a fair return to producers? As workers, how does what we do, and the way we do it, reveal God’s Kingdom? In paying tax, do I pay my fair share, and so contribute to services and provision for those in most need? There is much to repent of, individually, but also collectively, as we consider the economic structures and activity that shape us and our world.
Almighty God, as Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
so lead us into the discipline of Lent
to confront the reality of our lives and world;
that we may understand and repent of those things,
in ourselves, our work and our economy, which are contrary to your purpose
and our vocation as disciples of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ,
in whose name we pray.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Ourselves as consumers in the choices we make, that in these we may reflect Kingdom values of love, compassion, justice and freedom. (Be specific, considering the impact of your choices on those who produce, distribute, and sell what we consume, and on the environment and climate.)
- Workers, for integrity and honesty in their work, and purpose in working to serve the common good.
- Leaders of trans-national corporations, and economic institutions, such as the Bank of England and World Bank, as they shape the global economy; for wisdom, understanding and compassion in their decisions.
- Politicians and governments in their choices that impact economic activity, especially in the area of taxation and international trade; that inequalities within the global economy would be reduced.
- Better awareness of the impact of economic structures and activity on the environment and climate, and for those most impacted by the negative aspects of the global economy.
- 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.
- In our cycle of prayer for the work of FWW, volunteers and staff, this month we pray for Supporters. Give thanks for all who support the work of FWW, or the work of a particular chaplain, through prayer, by regular giving, and by speaking about FWW in churches.
[1] For a selection see Lent Books or New Lent Books & Resources for 2025 | Eden
