A Prayer For The Labor Day Weekend

 

 

Jehovah God, who in the beginning of time placed humankind in a garden and told them to tend and care for it, this weekend we are reminded of the dignity of the common person and the importance of common labor.  For the past 114 years our country has set aside the first Monday in September as a national holiday to call attention to the millions of men and women, who, through a Calvinistic work ethic, a deep sense of personal worth and their united efforts, have built a great country.  We thank You that You have been pleased with this recognition and have blessed our land.

 

And though much of the original intent of the day has been lost, grant that we, Your people, may use it to meditate on the joys and purposes of life.  In Your Word You have written, “Go eat Your bread in gladness and drink Your wine in joy, for Your action was long ago approved by God.”  It is You who have taught us to find joy in the basics of life.  It is You who taught us to find satisfaction and contentment and meaning in the every day demands of life.  You have taught us that life is not a problem to be solved but a continuing challenge to be lived day by day.   You gave us the capacity to find joy in the ordinary.  You first gave meaning to work, not by promising great rewards, but by giving  a sense of worth and satisfaction to even the menial, repetitious and monotonous  daily routines of life.   In a world where not everyone will do great things or achieve great success, You have given us the capacity to find greatness in the lowest of assignments.

 

Father God, who blesses our work, we pray this morning for all those who see every task as Your gift of grace, Your act of providence.  May their gratitude for their task and their commitment to excellence give them a sense of worth and calling.

 

We pray this morning for those who are unemployed; those who are scanning their computers, searching the newspapers and sending out resumes with the prayer that job opportunities may be theirs.   Open doors, even as You have closed doors, so that all may make their contribution to the good of human kind.

 

We pray for the under employed; those who work diligently and faithfully but at jobs that do not pay a living wage.  Grant, Oh God, that no matter how menial the labor, everyone created in Your image may have their  basic needs met.  

 

On this Labor Day weekend we pray for those who, for any reason, are not able to work.   May every effort be made, at all levels of society, to meet the basic needs of every human being on planet earth.  May no man, woman or child ever go to bed hungry or thirsty, without shelter or medical care.   

 

Lord, hear our pray, as it rises out of our love and compassion for all people, everywhere.                              Amen