Prayer Squares: A Prayer for Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG #8)

Our Prayer Squares are a freely-printable resource to help you pray for women and girls, and the world, using the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as an engaging framework.

Download the Sustainable Development Goal Prayer Squares
Read more of the Salvationist Prayers for Sustainable Development Goals

The United Nations has set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as 'an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.'

We believe that prayer is the biggest action a Christian can begin with. Will you join us in an urgent call for prayer, as we intercede for women and girls through each of the Sustainable Development Goals?

Prayer for Sustainable Development
Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Find out more
Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

• Wide gender gaps persist in labour force participation. The labour force participation rate of women aged 25 to 54 is 55% versus 94% for men in the same age group.

'Dear Lord, thank you for your love and grace upon us all here on earth. Thank you for always being there to help us and guide us in times of abundance and in times of scarcity.

Gracious Lord, we pray at this time for our world as we seek for continuing recognition of the need to end poverty in all areas, to protect our earth for all people’s future and for everyone to be able to enjoy peace and prosperity. We pray we continue to seek an understanding to leave no-one behind, and that sustainable development is able to be achieved by all in a holistic and complete way.

You are an all-empowering God and your Holy Spirit uplifts us all with the many gifts that you have given. Please help us to use these many gifts through our work, for your glorification and in the benefit of all who need it. We pray that there are decent work opportunities for everyone and that in these opportunities to work, it is productive and the income received is fair. We pray that there is protection in the workplace and for families, as well as opportunities for personal development and social integration.

Please Lord, help us to foster an environment where sustained economic growth is promoted and that there are high levels of productivity and technological innovation. Let there be rejoicing in everyone’s contribution for the benefit of all - especially those who desperately need it. Guide us to use our abilities wisely and in the benefit of those who need us.

Dear Lord, hear us as we seek your guidance and protection especially for those who need help the most.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.'

- Helen Tanielu, The Salvation Army Samoa