Prayers for the World of Work:
Industries and Occupations

• Government
• Government
• Defence and Security
• Emergency Services
• Law Enforcement and Justice
• Education
• Regulators
• Primary Industry
• Agriculture, Forestry, Mining, Fisheries
• Food Production and Distribution
• Energy
• Knowledge: Science and Research
• Manufacturing
• Consumer Goods (furniture, clothing, tools, domestic appliances)
• Pharmaceutical and Medical
• Architecture, Civil Engineering, the Building Trades
• Transport Equipment
• Armaments, Surveillance and Defence Equipment
• Services
• Utilities
• Health and Welfare
• Hospitals
• Support and Care
• Carers and Homemakers
• Banking and Financial
• Learned Professions
• Consumer Services
• Arts and Media
• Transport
• Travel and Leisure
• Environment and Wildlife
• Museums, Parks and Gardens
• Writing, poetry, publishing, journalism
• Charities
• Chaplaincy

Here we pray for the various sectors of industry and the public services. Almost inevitably there is some repetition; for the example, the Police Services figures in both law and order and emergency services. Further, in a number of instances I have tried to distinguish between primary producers and those who deliver produce to us. The field of food production and distribution is a prime example. Another is energy and utilities.

You will note that in several of these prayers I have tried to confront the problem of what to pray for. This in itself was a significant challenge, which I commend to everyone who leads public intercession. I have come up with a provisional answer, though probably not the best. A common theme here is the need for each sector of industry, each business and each function within business to see itself as connected to the whole, rather than looking for a raison d'être within its own boundaries.

Recalling the remarks in the Introduction, about dealing with sensitive areas, I must confess to failure at the first hurdle, because I haven't hit upon a truly creative way to pray for the areas of activity that I personally find least comfortable.

In some instances I have included a preamble, in italics, that sets the scene and motivation underlying the prayer.