Prayer in the Economy:
With the prospect of COVID restrictions ending our prayers this month focus on how the economy will respond and how this will impact the lives of individuals, families and communities. There are unexpected consequences with shortages of raw materials to fulfil record order books in manufacturing and construction, and skills shortages in key sectors such as HGV drivers. We are warned that inflation will rise, meaning the economic recovery will least benefit those with low income.
We continue to see inequalities in provision of vaccines and health care in different parts of the world, but also in rates of economic recovery. We pray therefore for international cooperation and for a spirit of seeking the welfare and wellbeing of our neighbours, however distant.
Almighty God, in Jesus your judgment convicts us of the sin of selfishness, as we rejoice in our changing good fortunes and so easily forget the needs of our neighbours. Guide us, by your Spirit, that we may seek always to love our neighbour, build a more equal world and bring hope to those in difficulty or despair.
Give grace and wisdom to those charged with making decisions about further easing of regulations, here and in other countries and, to all who shape the global economy, insight and understanding to do what is needful to serve the common good. And give courage to those called to be workplace chaplains as they resume visiting, that they may bring your compassion and care to all whom they meet.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.
Amen
Especially we pray for:
- Those returning to workplaces after working from home for more than a year, that they would not be anxious.
- Those now looking for new work, having been made redundant.
- Those experiencing mental illness through stress as a result of their employment situation.
- International cooperation to ensure those in countries where vaccines and resources are scarce receive their fair share.
- For business leaders trying to navigate economic volatility and maintain employment.
- For those having to retrain in order to find work.
- For those on low incomes where the impact of inflation will be most severely felt.
- Chaplains as they continue to return to visiting workplaces, for the right words as they reconnect.
- Those who recently completed training as some begin chaplaincy in new contexts.
- Wisdom to know how to reduce inequality and injustice in our global economy and safeguard the environment.