As the New Year begins so the economic challenges of 2022 need still to be faced. Inflation, with its various causes, continues to place many under pressure. The pattern of strikes in public and private sectors rolls on. In these dark days of January hope is in short supply – in contrast to the message of the Christmas and Epiphany seasons.
Chaplains, as they continue visiting, are themselves signs of hope and revelation. In our prayers this month we focus on the ministry of our chaplains, for wisdom and insight to respond to the stories and struggles they encounter as those they meet speak of their current experience, and their expectations for the New Year.
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new,
and in the incarnation bring light and hope to all people and places.
Transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace
that we may behold and embrace your saving love in the light of Jesus Christ,
and proclaim this Good News to all people,
through lives of service, compassion and mercy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ,
the light of the world, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Hope for all who feel hopeless and drained and in need of encouragement.
- Those on low pay, or a fixed income, for whom inflation brings particular anxiety.
- Workers on short-term contracts over the holidays who face uncertainty as the New Year begins.
- Those involved with and affected by strikes and industrial action, and all concerned for negotiating settlements – for wisdom and compassion.
- For work on future planning for FWW as we look to sustain and develop our mission and ministry in the light of an ever more difficult financial situation for our traditional funders.
- For the Chaplaincy in Agriculture and Rural Life committee (CARL) in their planning for 2023 – Chair David Morris.
- Peace in Ukraine, and between nations caught up in conflict that impacts the economy.
- FWW Chaplains: In our cycle of prayer this month we pray for all our chaplains across the county – in Redditch, Pershore, Alvechurch, Upton, the Livestock Market and Kidderminster, as they resume chaplaincy after the holidays.
- FWW Supporters and Partner Churches and all who pray for and support the work of Faith at Work in Worcestershire.