The Church of England today attempted to respond to the anguish prompted by a wave of job losses by issuing prayers for those made redundant and colleagues who remain behind in the workplace.

The Church of England today attempted to respond to the anguish prompted by a wave of job losses by issuing prayers for those made redundant and colleagues who remain behind in the workplace.

The new Prayer On Being Made Redundant and Prayer For Those Remaining In The Workplace are being made available by the Church of England in an attempt to provide comfort to people.

The Prayer On Being Made Redundant helps to put into words the anxieties of those who are losing or who have already lost their job in the wave of recent redundancies, the Church said.

It includes the verse: "Hear me as I cry out in confusion, help me to think clearly, and calm my soul."

The Prayer For Those Remaining In The Workplace focuses on the guilt and increased workload associated with redundancy and asks of God: "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."

Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, Rt Rev John Packer, and chairman of the Church of England's stewardship committee, said the prayers emphasise how the Church is there for people at all times, especially in times of crisis.

He said: "This is a pastoral initiative. We need to be on the look out to support those facing redundancy. Neighbourliness is so important in crisis situations, whether it's offering people new prayers to God, or by simply being there with a listening ear."

The prayers are the latest addition to the Church of England website's Matter of Life and Debt section which includes advice and prayers and intercessions for people worried about debt.

:: 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.

:: www.cofe.anglican.org/prayers.