Thumbing through a prayer book last week, I found three old prayers suitable for Labor Day. The language of these prayers is antiquated (they were written long ago), but each is well worth reading — and praying!
A Prayer for Every Man in His Work
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who declarest thy glory and showest forth thy handiwork in the heavens and in the earth;
Deliver us, we beseech thee, in our several callings, from the service of mammon, that we may do the work which thou givest us to do, in truth, in beauty, and in righteousness, with singleness of heart as thy servants, and to the benefit of our fellow men;
for the sake of him who came among us as one that serveth, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer for Industry
O Lord Jesus Christ, who in thy earthly life didst share man's toil, and hallow the labor of his hands:
Prosper our brethren who maintain the industries of this land; and give to all who labor pride in their work, a just reward for their labors, and joy both in supplying need and in serving thee;
who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
A Prayer for Agriculture
Almighty and merciful God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift:
Bless, we beseech thee, the labors of thy people, and cause the earth to bring forth her fruits abundantly in their season, that we may with grateful hearts again give thanks to thee for the same;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
Happy Labor Day from all of us at SMI!
