Day 172 | Monday, 7 September 2020

Day 172 - Audio Version

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Day 172  |  Monday, 7 September 2020

Happy Labor Day!

 A Beginning: Labor Day
“This is quiet work in the world's terms -hands kneading bread and washing off the child's scraped knee.  This is quiet work in the world's terms - hands extended to welcome the stranger, arms opened to embrace another, bread broken to share with a guest.  This is quiet work in the world's terms - hands to give a blessing to a departing friend, hands to hold a baby and wipe away another's tears.  This is quiet work in the world's terms - thanks be to God for all sizes and shapes of hands and the blessing and joy they give.”

 A Prayer for Labor Day:
“Great giver of life, we give you thanks for all who labor in our world. We especially remember those who are not paid enough to eat sufficiently, to sustain a family or to find shelter.  On the day of rest, which you call Sabbath, we think of those who do not rest because they cannot afford this luxury. We are grateful that your own labors with your people have brought us to a place where we can give you thanks for many fruits of labor.

We are ever mindful that your reign on earth still needs to be brought forth; use us as your instruments of labor to create a world of justice and freedom for all. Amen.”

Another Prayer for Labor Day:
“Loving God continue your work of creation in us.  In the work of our hands may beauty be shaped, cleanliness restored, feasts be shared.  In the work of our minds may stories be created, children instructed, memories retold.  In the work of our words may praise be sung, prayers be offered, counsel be given.  In the hours of the day may our efforts bring gladness to our hearts and hope to others.  Holy God continue your work of creation in us and through us.  Amen”

 Labor Day Prayer:
“Sovereign God, after you completed the work of creation, you surveyed what you had accomplished and pronounced it very good. Today we pause to survey what our work has wrought. To seek your guidance and to give thanks. We thank you for the blessings of steady work, fair compensation, supportive coworkers and the satisfaction of knowing our laborers make a difference.

Thank you for the labor of all the people who make our lives better for inventors and caregivers, teachers and researchers, guards, guides, servers, growers, manufacturers, planners, rescuers, creators, preservers, counselors, healers and so many more. Some of us don't feel as though our work counts for much help us see how you and your people are served through our humble labors or else help us find a job where that can happen.

Some of us may be struggling over our employment or the lack of it. Go before us to open doors and make connections that will result in the opportunity for satisfying work. Some of us have defects of character that get in the way of fulfilling our potential. Open our eyes to see ourselves as others do and give us the humility and courage to develop what is lacking in our personality.

Some of us have jobs but fear we will be downsized right out onto the street. Help us fight off the debilitating effort effects of fear and help us create our own opportunities for the future.

Some of us are not able to work, and feel terribly cut off, even useless. Many of us are retired from our life of labor, help us focus on what we still can do, and never let any of us imagine that our human worth is earned through our own work, instead of by your gracious work of love in Jesus Christ. Continue your work in US and through US, that all our works may be pleasing in your sight Amen”
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 A Blessing:   Today, rest from whatever labor you do.  “Season the world with kindness.  Brighten the dark corners with hope.  Kindle joy in every heart.  And  may the love of Christ forever strengthen you to be salt of the earth and light for the world.”