 |
| Study of the Hands of an Apostle, Albrecht Dürer 1508 |
Prayers written for the Business Harvest Festival at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 15th October 2020 which is also the Feast of St Teresa of Avila. The prayers are based on a famous prayer by St Teresa ‘Christ has body but yours’, as well as the readings for the service; Deuteronomy 8.7-18 and Luke 12.16-30.
Let us pray to the Lord, giving thanks for all the blessings of life in this
great City and for its continued flourishing; and for the humility to offer our
working lives to His service, sharing, with joyful hearts, the gifts that each
of us has received. We lift up in prayer especially today all those in
repetitive and unrewarding jobs, all those anxious about their livelihoods and all
struggling to find employment. May we remember always that;
Christ has no body now but
ours,
No hands, no feet on earth
but ours.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, we give thanks for
your hands at work through banking, insurance and financial services in this
City. For all who invest in and manage resources that enable the creativity, innovation
and flourishing of others. May we remember always the true source of our power
and wealth. Grant us the wisdom to be responsible stewards of it.
We give thanks for your hands at work through managers and support staff, who
enable us all to reach our true potential. For those who work in
communications, sharing Good News with others; and for all strategists and
visionaries in the Board Room, ensuring we work according to shared values and
towards a common purpose. Lord we pray that we may work always according to
your will and not our own.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, we give thanks for
your arms opened wide, welcoming all into our City through those working in
hospitality, retail and tourism. We pray for all volunteers working to support our
cultural heritage, including the Friends of City Churches. We ask for your
blessing especially on the sustainability of the restaurants, pubs and bars of
the Square Mile. Lord, you have welcomed all to your table. Grant us the
courage to do the same; celebrating, in fellowship, your love for us.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, we give thanks for
your feet walking beside us each day, through the work of public servants,
charities and third sector organisations. We pray for the mission of your
Church and the work of the Government, the Corporation of London, all who work
to bring justice to this City and those who educate others. Lord, may we be
transformed by your presence, making your love for us manifest in the world,
through our work each day.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, we give thanks for
your eyes and ears, revealing to us the beauty of your kingdom through the
creative endeavours of actors, artists and musicians. In their work may we
experience life anew; learning to look with love on the world and our
neighbours, as you love us.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
Lord, we give thanks for
your healing presence at work through all doctors, nurses, counsellors and care
home staff. We pray for the work of The Samaritans. For all seeking a cure for
the Coronavirus. We bring before you those who are sick and suffering,
including Sheena, Sean and Hazel, Doris and Eve, David, Jane and Daisy,
Shelley, Patrick, Martin and Sam, Sophia and Freddie, Sue, Sarah, Marie, Emma
and Michael and for Melvyn, Ian and John and all those whose names are written
only on our hearts.
Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer
We remember with gladness
all those whose work on earth is complete, to whom the glory of your Kingdom
has been revealed. As they look down on us, may we remember always that;
Christ has no body now but
ours,
No hands, no feet on earth
but ours.
Merciful Father,
accept these prayers
for the sake of your Son,
our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Amen
Links
Image : Study
of the Hands of an Apostle, Albrecht Dürer 1508
Christ
has no body but yours – A prayer by St Teresa of Avila
No comments:
Post a Comment