How Do We Pray During Economic Crises?

Published: December 20th, 2008

Most of us are more than aware of the current economic situation the world has found itself in and the inevitable recession that is to follow. My family were very much affected by the last recession in the UK during the 90's and, therefore, I have had a strong sense of foreboding for a few months now as more and more headlines have been brought to our attention as the consequences of the 'credit crunch' hit the world's capitalist economies.

It has only been recently that I am realising the potential extent of this crisis. I am not sure who to believe or who to trust about the extent of the crisis: the media, our governments, economists or pundits?  Are we being told everything or is our sensationalist media unnecessarily scaring us?  That aside very few of us are unaffected or at the very least we know of someone who has been. No sector has been unaffected and we are all casting wary eyes at our bank balances.

It has struck me that in thinking about the economic downturn over the last few weeks and months, I have not been praying into this global situation for God's guidance or hand in it.  I also have not been aware of any major 'church' response or call to prayer - not just for our country but for the western world. Perhaps many were pre-occupied praying for the recent American election or other world disasters.

Today, while looking for something else entirely, I came across the prophecies that were given at the 24-7 UK Prayer Day that was held in Guildford in July. One of the prophecies was this:

“There will be major shakings in the West.
We will have Daniel, Joseph, Esther type people who are in the right place when the shaking happens.
While shaking can be just destructive, these people will be able to speak truth into the turmoil.
Those who know our God will be strong.
We need to trust.
The power of God will be displayed.
When people's lives are crumbling they will need help.
During the shaking, there will be fear, but it doesn't define who we are.
Asking the question - Are we dangerous at all?”

At the time I wasn't sure what this meant. All these people – Daniel, Joseph & Esther - were placed by God to speak his will and wisdom into the rulers and governments of the time. Joseph,  particularly, was there during Egypt's time of economic and food crisis. I now wonder if this word was God warning us of what was to come in the capitalist cultures of the west where the economic crisis has started and spread. This is no 'ordinary' recession. The very fabric that Western society exists and thrives on – money, credit, debt, profit – has produced this crisis and could potentially be devastated by it.

We don't know what 2009 will bring, particularly after the big Christmas and New Year spending ends. But perhaps we should be praying for the Daniel, Joseph and Esther types in governments across the world who God has placed in positions of influence around the world to be revealed and allowed to step up and speak God's wisdom into this crisis (1 Tim 2:1-2).  Pray for them to be brave and bold while speaking the truth, even though it may be unpopular.  Pray for the poor who are always the most impacted during economic shakings.  Pray that we, as Christians, can be strong despite the fear around us - even though we may be just as effected because we have a hope that goes beyond money or empires.  

Georgina Micklewright is part of 24-7's UK Prayer Team and one of the founding members of the Guildford Boiler Room community. Georgina enjoys learning new instruments, politics, watching sport and satirical panel shows, and laughing very loudly. You can interact with Georgina on her blog or catch her on Twitter 

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