Welcome to the FWW Prayer Guide for November. We hope it will be useful for personal prayer, but also for those who lead intercessions in services. Do pass it on to others. The guide is available below as a PDF file A5 (2 pages) or A4 (1 page). Any feedback from use of the Guide would be most welcome. We also use the Guide as the basis for our quarterly online prayer meeting. The next meeting will be on January 8th from 1.00 – 1.30 p.m. For the Zoom link, and any feedback, please email dickjohnson@faithatwork.org.uk
The NOVEMEMBER 2024 prayer guide is available here as a PDF file A5 (2 pages) or A4 (1 page).
Budgets, Tax and Employment Law
Government plays an important role in the economy – through budgets determining tax revenues and public spending, and legislation concerning employment rights, health and safety, financial regulation and much more. The new UK government’s first budget (delivered October 30th) has been talked about since before the election, and the Employment Rights Bill, introduced to parliament on October 10th, will eventually[1] bring important changes to the world of work – for employees and employers.
The structure of our economy – the rules and culture of how we work, how much tax we pay, and what it is used for – should be topics for prayer. This is about fairness, justice, the relationships people have with each other, and how we care for the most vulnerable. It touches on the fundamental practicalities of life – access to goods and services, and the contribution each person makes to the common good.
Such things are at the heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, whose mission is to bring ‘life in all its fulness’ (John 10 v 10) and who teaches his followers to love God, and neighbour (Mark 12 v 28 – a reading set for Nov 3rd).
Almighty God, who calls us to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you’,[2] and through your Son has taught us to pray for the coming of Your Kingdom on earth;2 guide and inspire those who have power to influence how our economy functions, to seek always that mercy, justice and peace which is your will for all you have made. Forgive us when we think and act only for ourselves, and give us the compassion and love of him who came to serve, whatever the cost, that others might live; even Jesus your Son, our Saviour, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Those in parliament and leaders of business and unions, debating changes to employment law aimed at protecting workers’ rights, promoting fairness, good relationships and productivity in the economy; for respect, wisdom and compassion in how the debate is conducted and decisions taken.
- Those who are vulnerable at work – through discrimination, poor working conditions, job security, low pay and illness; that they may be treated fairly and have access to what they and their families need.
- Those who find it hard or impossible to find good work, and those whose work is not satisfying, fulfilling or providing sufficient income; that they will find purpose, meaning and opportunity.
- Good use of the tax system, to tackle inequality and provide vital public services, and for all who work in the tax system.
- FWW, for new volunteers as chaplains, trustees, and supporters to allow the development of new chaplaincy and encourage and support the mission of the whole Church within economic life across Worcestershire.
- Give thanks for the opportunity of taking part in the Discover Chaplaincy event in Redditch on October 24th, and pray for those discerning whether God is calling them to a role in the work of FWW.
- In our cycle of prayer for the work of FWW, this month we pray for:
- chaplains in Alvechurch – Sue Brotherton and Helen Ayling.
- FWW Trustees at an extra meeting on November 7th, considering detailed planning to become a volunteer led charity by the end of 2025.
[1] The main changes proposed will be subject to consultation and implementation is unlikely to happen until 2026.
[2] Micah 6 v 8; Luke 11 v 2.