Jobs and No Jobs

This week ended with many of my friends losing their jobs. The Milwaukee job market is on a steep decline for technical companies who employ engineers and technical people.

Through my own experience with loss of job I have learned that I am not in control and that I have put my trust in God to give me everything I need. I came to realize through this hardship that God was really the only thing that I need, especially when he was all that I had. If you are someone who has lost a job, remember to count your blessings!

The church of England has published two prayers for people who have lost their job and for people who remain after peers have lost their jobs.

Prayer on being made redundant
'Redundant' – the word says it all -
'useless,
unnecessary,
without purpose,
surplus to requirements.'
Thank you, Heavenly Father, that in the middle of
the sadness,
the anger,
the uncertainty,
the pain,
I can talk to you.
Hear me as I cry out in confusion,
help me to think clearly,
and calm my soul.
As life carries on,
may I know your presence with me
each and every day.
And as I look to the future,
help me to look for fresh opportunities, for new directions.
Guide me by your Spirit,
and show me your path,
through Jesus, the way, the truth and the life. Amen.

Prayer for those remaining in the workplace
Life has changed:
colleagues have gone – redundant, out of work.
Suddenly, what seemed so secure is now so very fragile.
It's hard to know what I feel:
sadness, certainly,
guilt, almost, at still having a job to go to,
and fear of the future:
who will be next?
how will I cope with the increased pressure of work?
Lord Jesus, in the midst of this uncertainty, help me to keep going:
to work to the best of my ability,
taking each day at a time,
and taking time each day to walk with you
for you are the way, the truth and the life. Amen.