Prayer for Exeter's retail sector

I was asked to lead an intercession for the retail/commercial sector of the city of Exeter at Exeter Cathedral during the annual Pray4Exeter service.  This is what I wrote, basing parts of it on the London City Mission's "Prayers for a City". 

Let us talk to God about the retail and commercial businesses in Exeter:

Gracious Father,

We pray that you will keep the commercial life pure in this city of Exeter.

Give the staff of all the shops a zeal for honesty, high standards, and straight dealings.

We pray that all shops should have honest weights, and pride in value and service;

We pray that all goods might have quality, craftsmanship, and taste;

We pray for the staff of the shops and ask that they may be attentive, and courteous;

We pray that shopping may be free from suspicion, and anxiety;

We pray that shopping and service may be marked by an atmosphere of pleasure, openness, and decency to all in every type of store.

We pray for the owners, proprietors and managers of all the shops may conduct their affairs according to Your commands;

free them from craving for power, and excessive profit;

may transactions be completed without manipulation and deceit;

guide them so that they deal justly with rival firms, not seeking to destroy or discredit;

We pray that senior staff may encourage staff to be loyal and capable, prepared to give their best each day;

We pray that you will give a congenial atmosphere to offices, banks, service industries, and every place of commerce.

May Christians in the commercial sector in the city centre, both retail and services, be known for candour, honour and justice;

let their devotion to Your precepts be an example, and a testimony;

In this time of economic pressures, we pray that you will bring all the business concerns of the City under Your governing hand, and prosper it, according to Your Way,

Your Way of rightness, and truth.

Amen

Prayers for 1st February 2015

Almighty God,
we praise you for your creation,
and all you richly provide for us day by day
Enable us to live each day in such a way
that your majesty as creator and mercy as redeemer
are seen by all who meet us this week
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

All governments rule under your authority.
May they work for the good of those they rule,
seeking your justice and peace in every law and action.

So we pray for the leaders of our country that they may devote themselves to the benefit of all people, regardless of background

We pray for wisdom for the leaders of Greece and the leaders of the EU in their efforts to solve economic problems

We pray for wisdom for all world leaders in dealing with terrorists

We pray for countries where there are refugees, and for those organisations who bring relief to them.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Enable those who are engaged in industry and commerce,
the media and education, sport and the arts, to fulfil their responsibilities with integrity and an attitude of service.

So we pray for those employed in shops, offices and factories in the city, that they may work with honesty and fairness

We pray for the schools with which the church is linked, asking for wisdom in educating and patience for the teachers and staff

We pray for those engaged in sport in the city, especially our football and rugby teams, that they may play fairly and set an example of good sportsmanship to their supporters
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Comfort and strengthen those who are gripped by poverty,
weakened by illness, or oppressed by cruelty.
We pray for the work of Christians against Poverty in the city, and for the staff of Exeter’s Food Bank.

We pray for the work of St Petrock’s and for justice for the homeless in our city

We pray for the residents of care homes in this parish, and for those from our church who are sick, face convalescence, or are anxious about a loved one.

May they all know your love and experience your care.
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Inspire your church here on earth to proclaim the gospel of your love
in the death and resurrection of your Son.
May all people hear the call to trust you. 

Help us to be disciples and witnesses to the new life that is to be found in Jesus Christ

Guide Bishop Robert and Bishop Nick as they lead the diocese, and guide the staff at the Diocesan Office in their ministry
Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Guide us all, this week, as the people who are gathered together here are spread around their homes, workplaces and leisure activities this week.  Help us to remember that we are your people, and to be good stewards of all that you have entrusted to us

Merciful Father

Accept these prayers for the sake of your son, our saviour Jesus Christ

Amen

(some of this was based on “Better Gatherings” from the diocese of Sydney, Australia)