Here’s a prayer of
commitment and intercession for Labour Day or International Workers’ Day.
Labor Day Prayer
Creator God,
we give thanks this day for work:
for work that sustains; for work that fulfills;
for work which, however tiring,
also satisfies and resonates with Your labor in
creation.
As part of our thanks we also intercede for those who
have no work,
who have too much or too little work;
who work at jobs that demean or destroy,
work which profits the few at the expense of the many.
Blessed One,
extend your redemptive purpose
in the many and varied places of our work.
In factory or field,
in sheltered office or under open sky,
using technical knowledge or physical strength,
working with machines
or with people
or with the earth itself.
Together we promise:
To bring the full weight of our intelligence and
strength to our work.
Together we promise:
To make our place of work a place of safety and
respect
for all with whom we labor.
Together we refuse:
To engage in work that harms another,
that promotes injustice or violence,
that damages the earth or otherwise betrays the common
good;
or to resign ourselves to economic arrangements
which widen the gap between rich and poor.
Together we refuse:
To allow our work to infringe on time with our
families and friends,
with our community of faith,
with the rhythm of Sabbath rest.
Together we affirm:
The rights of all to work that both fulfills and
sustains:
to just wages and to contentment.
Together we affirm:
That the redeeming and transforming power of the
Gospel,
with all its demands for justice and its promises of
mercy,
is as relevant to the workplace as to the sanctuaries
of faith and family.
We make these promises,
we speak these refusals
and we offer these affirmations
as offerings to You, O God—
who labors with purpose and lingers in laughter—
in response to your ever-present grace,
as symbols of our ongoing repentance and
transformation,
and in hope that one day
all the world shall eat and be satisfied. Amen.
~ Copyright © Rev. Ken Sehested, co-pastor, Circle of
Mercy Congregation, UCC, in Asheville, NC. Posted on prayer&politics. http://www.prayerandpolitiks.org/
