Welcome to the FWW Prayer Guide for January. We hope it will be useful for personal prayer, but also for those who lead intercessions in church. We also use the guide as the basis of our prayers at the FWW online prayer meeting, which in 2024 will be held once a quarter – less frequently than before. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 11th, 1 – 1.30 pm. For the Zoom link please email comms@faithatwork.org.uk
As the New Year dawns Worcestershire, along with many other parts of the UK, is facing the impact of floods – once again. For those directly affected the impact is devastating. The wider disruption and damage caused to businesses and work is also significant. At the same time the season of Christmas and Epiphany reminds us that, whatever challenges are to be faced, we do so in the light of the revelation of God’s love in Jesus, and the hope that brings.
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:
- All impacted by storm and floods, natural disaster in other parts of the world, and human conflict in Israel/Palestine and the Ukraine.
- For businesses and workplaces disrupted by natural disaster and conflict.
- Emergency services – police, fire and ambulance – and those who serve them as chaplains.
- For those who maintain power and essential utility networks – and those whose work involves driving or maintenance of our roads, in difficult and dangerous working conditions.
- For chaplains of Faith at Work in Worcestershire as they continue visiting workplaces, that by their presence they may bring hope and encouragement to all they meet.
- For the Chaplaincy in Agriculture and Rural Life committee (CARL) in their planning for 2024 – Chair David Morris.
- 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 Trustees: For Chris Harvey, as he takes over as Chair of Trustees, giving thanks for the leadership of Mary Austin for the past 4 years.