Prayers of Intercession – Business Harvest Festival

The Sunshine Roof, Cyril Power 1934

Prayers written for the Business Harvest Festival at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 7th October 2021

Let us pray to the Lord, giving thanks for all the blessings of life in this great City, for its capacity to change, 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 anxious about their livelihoods and all struggling to find employment.

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 here in the Square Mile and the work of the Government, the Corporation of London, the City Police 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. Bless the ministry of our Choral Scholars, Conducting Fellow and Organ Scholar. Through their work may we experience life anew; learning to attune our ears to the resonance of your Spirit at work in the world and 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 known to us who are sick and suffering, including Victor, Tom, Carol, Francine, Sophia, Jummie, Sarah, Anthony, Melissa, Caroline and Manuelle, Emma, Peter, Jennifer, Adrian and family, Melvyn, Ian, Jim, Nick, Martin and Sam, John, Phyllis, Derek, Victoria, John and Tommie.

Lord in your mercy
Hear our prayer

We remember with gladness all those whose work on earth is complete including Molly, Paul and Alan, to whom the glory of your Kingdom has been revealed. As we continue our journey there, 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

Image : The Sunshine Roof, Cyril Power, 1934