Morning Prayer

Breathing in Gratitude and Thanksgiving

We start with a declaration of our dependence on God’s presence personally and as a community.

Exodus 33: 15-16

‘Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”’ (MSG)

‘Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.”’ (NKJV)

You might want to try and reword these verses into a prayer that expresses your own dependence on God’s presence and leading in your life, or you could just pray through them as they are. Take time each day to notice which particular word impacts you the most and then hold that word consciously throughout the day.

Reflect upon the journey your life has taken, and the knowledge that God has walked every step with you, on the mountains and in the valleys, give thanks for his faithfulness

Our focus this week is business, integrity and innovation. Think of two contrasting Businesses, one a local small service you use that benefits the immediate community and the other a large corporation that includes issues of integrity and ethical practice as part of its business strategy. You may know of one or need to do some searching. Give thanks for these businesses and their values.

Give thanks for business entrepreneurs who don’t just use their abilities to accumulate personal wealth but use them for the betterment of the wider community and society.

Pray for those young people who are innovators looking to start businesses, companies and NGO’s that have a particular focus on finding solutions to the environmental issues affecting the planet, and the global problems that have been created by companies and corporations that have exploited the earth’s resources and destroyed habitats.

Think about writing to or emailing companies that you are aware of that support charities or local initiatives and thank them for their investment in your community.

Evening Prayer

Breathing out Praying Blessing

Pray a blessing on those who are working hard to keep businesses profitable, providing employment and services that benefit the community through the work they do and the way they steward their resources.

Pray blessing on those businesses we use in everyday life. Speak blessing over new businesses that are starting up in our communities. Think of a building in your local area which is currently empty. Start to imagine what kind of business is really needed in your community and start to pray for that space to be filled with such a company.

Pray blessing on those who, as a result of companies failing, find themselves without work and potentially struggling to feed their families and pay their bills. Think about an individual or family you might know who are in such a situation and think about how you might bless them with a food parcel or gift, or make a donation to the local foodbank. Let our blessing be action as well as words.

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God our Father, we come in humility to meet you in your majesty.

In Jesus, we stand confident in our heavenly status as members of your family,

By your Holy Spirit, teach us how to stand in the gap for this region:

May our communities be places where people always feel at home;

May our streets be blessed with the peace that surpasses understanding;

May the warmth of your love reach those who feel they are on the fringes of society.

Transform our city – touch her cold stones with your breath and bring her heart to life again,

Show us how to help her step out from behind her ‘tough girl’ exterior and truly be herself.

And as we too set our hearts to become the people you made us to be,

May your light glow within us and your glory radiate from us

In Jesus name, amen.