Prayer from the Occupational Cycle;-

"Prayer"

We pray for administrative officers and assistants in the civil service and local government.
We confess that such work is sometimes despised,
reckoned boring or unimportant,
"pushing paper clips around".-
But we're the first to complain
if it isn't done right.
We thank you God
for all these unsung workers.
We pray particularly
for those who are face to face with the public,
getting daily abuse in DSS offices
and from people at the end of their tether.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

SYWC

"Post Office People"

Bless those who will today stand waiting in a cashier's queue:
For the great patience and good humour which they need.

Bless those queuing to receive benefits and pensions,
anxious about the amount they're due,
planning how they're going to make ends meet this week.

Bless those queuing to deposit money:
hard-earned cash, possibly winnings, or a gift,
saving towards a longed-for holiday, or wedding, or a new investment.

Bless those who will today stand waiting in a cashier's queue.

Keep them composed while listening out for that familiar voice which will call them: 'Cashier number One, please';

Help them tolerate others in the queue whose patience is wearing thin;

Give them the gift of conversation to ease the tension and the boredom.

We give thanks for those behind the cashier's glass
Who tirelessly deal with the customers and their needs:
may there always be enough of them to cope at the busiest times of the day.

We give thanks for those who provide happy distractions in the queue -
playful children, adults blessed with the gift of humour:
may their sense of fun lighten the mood.

Bless those who will today stand waiting in a cashier's queue:
Those needing to make a complaint;
Those applying for a passport, or tax disc, or a loan;
Those for whom money hasn't yet bought happiness
and those whose happiness can't be bought at any price.

Bless those who will today stand waiting in a cashier's queue:
we hope to be blessed as we stand there with them.

John Davies.
From his web page, http://www.johndavies.org/sermons/talk-gb-07-08-26.html