Thy Kingdom Come. Prayer in the workplace from Ascension to Pentecost 30 May 9 June Walking Welcoming Growing. #Pledge2Pray

Transcription

1 Thy Kingdom Come Prayer in the workplace from Ascension to Pentecost 30 May 9 June 2019 #Pledge2Pray Walking Welcoming Growing

2 Introduction This year feels like a time of change, especially in the life of our nation. Many of us feel that this has brought with it a sense of uncertainty, particularly in our working lives. Yet we can still rely on at least one stable cornerstone, and that is the certainty of God s presence and providence in our world. The nine days between Ascension and Pentecost are a time for praying for this providence, in the shape of God s Kingdom being realised through the power of the Holy Spirit as we ask Come, Holy Spirit. God s Kingdom comes about in all places, including where we work. Our interactions during our working hours are opportunities to show others our faith in action, and our faith in the world, and it is hoped that

3 these prayers will open us to the work of the Spirit so we can, in that same Spirit, open ourselves to others. This opening up of ourselves in the Spirit is a timely opportunity to share with others the rock that provides stability in our lives, the rock that is Jesus Christ. The Revd David Adamson On behalf of the Diocese of Southwark s Thy Kingdom Come steering group

4 Day 1 Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity. Titus 2:7, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) How is it that those around us will know that we are one of Christ s flock? We have two ways of spreading the Gospel, first by our works and our example, and second by our teaching. Our words make sense of our works, but to demonstrate integrity we must point out to them all that is good and holy more by example than by words. (Rule of St Benedict, 2:12) Lord, on this day, I pray that I may be drawn more deeply into your life, and, following your example, live a life of integrity following the call of the Father.

5 Day 2 Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24, NRSV Do we commit our work to the Lord? In everything Christ rules in our hearts, so we must give all our work to his glory. Through this commitment to him in every task, others will see our faith, and the faithfulness of Christ as our shepherd. Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3) Lord, give us the grace and faith to commit all we do to you in prayer and praise. In every act of service, we are serving you; may your plan for all become established.

6 Day 3 So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation. Genesis 2:3, NRSV In the world today, we don t all get to rest on the seventh day, but that doesn t mean we shouldn t. However, we must also remember that when we rest we must do so in the Lord, calling to mind that Jesus often went up the mountain to rest and pray. Lord, give us the true rest that comes from you alone. Let us abide in your presence, so that we may be ready to receive your Spirit, and go once more to work in your vineyard.

7 Day 4 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23, NRSV What is mere talk? We are called to share the word of God, to speak in a way that people can understand. Therefore, we must be ready because we do not know when the moment will arise. We must, in the Spirit, discern the right time so that the Word will land on fertile ground. St Benedict instructs us to propose the commandments of the Lord to receptive disciples with words, but not to waste them on the stubborn. (Rule of Benedict 2:12) Lord, we pray for the gifts of the Spirit, so that we may be ready to share your Word at the right time with those who are ready to receive you.

8 Day 6 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Matthew 25:15, NRSV Each of us receives different gifts according to our abilities, yet each of us is called to give our all. We must not be like the servant who buried his talent, or the rich people who gave to the treasury out of their abundance (Luke 21:1-4). Everything that is given to us we must share. Lord, help us to pass on what you have given to us. Give us courage not to hide those gifts, but to use them to your glory, and to the building up of your kingdom.

9 Day 7 You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. Luke 21:12, NRSV Although at the moment in this country we are blessed not to be persecuted for our faith, confessing Christ crucified can be difficult, and obstacles can be put in our way. Lord, we pray for those who would try to stop us living out our faith. May we be given the right words when we are called to speak, and in everything maintain our faith in you.

10 Day 8 Let the favour of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands O prosper the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17, NRSV Christ is the vine and we are the branches; it is from him that all our work is made good and bears fruit. Lord, prosper our work, so that you are glorified. Let our work be a sign of your presence in every place, and by your presence may others come to know you.

11 Day 9 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. Acts 2:4, NRSV It is through the Spirit that we are given the right words to share the Gospel of Christ. Through the Spirit we live in Christ, and it is through the Spirit that others will come to know him, and live in him. Lord, continually give us, through the Holy Spirit, the right words to share our faith in you. Give us language to talk of your love and faithfulness towards us, and help us in our places of work to use the gifts you have given us.

12 Day 5 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. Matthew 5:15, NRSV If we give ourselves and our work to Christ, the light we are given in return is impossible to hide. Let us have the courage to shine your light as brightly as we can in our places of work, so that [others] may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16) Lord, as we commit ourselves to you in this time of prayer, share your light with others, so that all the world may give you glory. Walking Welcoming Growing