Time is a fixed commodity, and for many in the business community it has been an ongoing struggle to ensure that they have sufficient time with their families. Please pray that all would be wise stewards of their time. Pray that the culture would shift away from 'work' being the primary purpose in life.
A look at the management of many successful companies reveals that their leaders, whether Christian or not, maintain high ethical standards and deal fairly, often putting employees or customers first, and are good stewards of company finances. The principles of fair value, respect, serving others and stewardship have clear biblical origins but are more commonly known today as best business practices. The Bible is a good manual for all businesses, and successful businesses adhere to those principles with biblical origins. Pray that all would adhere to such principles in business.
- Pray that those businesses and their owners which support ungodly lifestyles would be led to turn from such practise and that political agendas would be left out by children's clothing and other such companies and all advertising.
- Thank God for those groups – including groups of concerned Mothers, who have protested and held companies (whether clothing stores, toy stores, pre-school facilities or others) accountable for targeting children with ungodly propaganda. Pray such groups find great favour in the marketplace, their territory increases (1 Chronicles 4:10) and their protests bear even greater good fruit.
- Pray that those in the workplace, who are Christians, would pray for their colleagues, employers, and workplace environment. Pray also for those who are self-employed. Please pray that all would thank God for their employment.
- Pray for Christians working in the marketplace that they would continue to be in fear of God and not man. That they would be supported by their church and their family as they respectfully stand up for Biblical views and values.
- Pray that paid employment would not be allowed to consume people's lives, except by family agreement for an agreed necessary short time.
- Thank God for increased opportunities for regular family meals together as more are being enabled to 'work from home' by their employers.
- Living in close proximity when opportunities to 'work from home' are taken may be a challenge, so please pray that families would practise kindness and patience, avoiding judgemental thoughts (Eph 4:2 & 32), & that the amount of screen time spent on social media is minimal. Pray against any temptation to look at pornographic websites.
- Pray schedules are put in place by those working at home and that they end the workday at a regular time, whenever possible. Of course some businesses operate during unsocial hours.
- Due to events such as fires, floods and drought in many areas, some businesses have closed down or reduced staff levels, people have become unemployed, and there is much uncertainty. Pray against a spirit of fear taking hold of the country. Proverbs 16:3. Proverbs 3:5. Pray for wisdom for employees and government departments and that everyone would adhere to government guidelines. Pray that a fair day's work results in a fair day's pay and that the gender or any other discriminating pay gap would cease.
- Please pray that insurance companies would deal with the many claims at this time with integrity and that claims would not be unduly delayed, thereby reducing any stress. Pray for integrity by those making the claims.
- Pray for married couples and all who are experiencing financial hardship, that they would be wisely mentored throughout this time and work together as a team, encouraging one another. Pray for wisdom for those involved in the finance industry who are responsible for lending monies.
