Psalm 107.23-24, 28-30
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters; they saw the deeds of the LORD, his wondrous works in the deep. ….. They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
OUTLINE:
The economy and business life of our city embraces a wide range of subjects: employment and unemployment; retail, hospitality, manufacturing, financial services, logistics; the docks and the vessels that come in and out of them carrying food, cars, goods and passengers. Southampton is in many respects a ‘Gateway City,’ one that people and goods travel through en route to elsewhere.
PRAYER:
O God, we ask you to bless our ‘Gateway City’ – to bless those who dwell here and those who pass through it. Bless our city with many good work opportunities to give individuals purpose and peace. Help those who work here to work with all their might and for your glory. Grant the spirit of wisdom and justice to our leaders of industry and commerce. Bless all who are employed in offices and factories and shops; strengthen those who labour at the docks or on the ships; take care of all whose work is difficult, dangerous, dirty or dull; and help us all to follow the steps of him who worked as a carpenter – Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
We specifically commend to your prayers all who are in employment and all who are unemployed and seeking for work; the manufacturing and retail industries, the hospitality industry, the financial services industry; logistics (including our delivery services – posties, etc), transport; the docks, the cruise industry, our multi-racial/ethnic population as a result of this.