Work / Co-workers / Classmates / Labor Day
This Labor Day - We want to pray for each other as we do the work God has given. For some, it is a full-time job, for others, school, or others, it is homeschooling children. For others, it is caring for older family members. Some in our midst are unemployed and searching for work, or looking for a better job situation. Others are retired and using their time and energy in new ways. For all there is a call of God to use our time and energy each day for His kingdom, trusting in Him for new mercies and strength to do all he has prepared for us.
Prayers Around Labor Day
Prayer for our Work
Establish the work of my hands by helping me to be productive, patient, focused, and insightful. May your Spirit lead me in my work and help me to be joyful, creative, and worshipful–constantly reminding me of your love and that you’re the reason I have breath in my lungs. Teach me to align my work, family, church life, and rest in a way that would maximize your glory and allow me to bear the most fruit for your kingdom.
Cause my work and attitude to adorn the gospel and shine the light of Christ into this dark and desperate world. Help me bless my workplace by living a gospel-worthy life in front of my watching coworkers, and help me honor my boss as I honor you.
And as I work, fix my eyes on Jesus and his finished work on the cross that gave me treasure I could not earn, rest that I could not otherwise experience, and a living hope that will fuel me to work for the glory of God. Amen. (Adapted from Crosswalk.com, prayer by Kevin Halloran)
Prayer for those Looking for Work
Dear God, You know our people and their needs. You know those who desire a job that do not have one, and those desiring work that is more enjoyable or leads towards a better career path. We pray that you would guide them on their job hunting journey. May they focus first on your will for their life, putting your desires and your plan above their own wishes and wants. Open doors to new opportunities that you desire, and equip each one with the skills, knowledge, and wisdom needed to take steps forward. Help them craft resumes, write cover letters, submit applications, connect with new companies and potential employers, and go on interviews. Give the words to speak and the courage to share who they are. Give each one confidence that can only come from you, and give humility. May you provide for daily needs today. May your will be done going forward. May this all be for your glory. In your name, Amen. (adapted from Crosswalk.com, prayer by Rachel Dawson)
Prayer for Students … and Teachers … and Homeschoolers
Lord, may you be near to all those starting or returning to school this week. Be with the students, give them boldness and confidence to step into new classrooms, new situations, new relationships, trusting you to be with them. Help students of all ages to want to learn more about your world, helping them to discern truth from falsehood. Be with the teachers and school administrators as they seek to both educate and care for the students you entrust to them. Help them as they relate to colleagues and to those over them, that they may have humility and grace and the love of Christ evident in all they do. Be with those in technical schools, advanced studies, internships and residencies. Give them strength to put in the long hours often required, an ability to learn and grow in practical ways in their field, and an ability to exhidbit your grace even when tired and stressed. Be with those teaching others in their homes or other setting, that you might give them an ability to both teach the material in front of them and to care well for the individuals they are responsible for. May all these have a focus on you and your kingdom each day in all their studies and relationships
Prayer for those unable to “work” … and for Caregivers
Lord we lift up to you those who are not able to “work” in tradition workplaces, pray that you would be near to them and enable them to see and embrace the gifts and skills you have given to them, using them to your glory in whatever setting you have placed them. Let them sense deeply your love and understand the role you do have for them in the relationships you have placed them in, and how you would use them for your glory.
Be near to and strengthen all those called to give care to others, whether it is a spouse, relative or one hired to care for others. Help them to turn to you each day and receive the mercies needed for that day. Help them as well to find support in others. My you use them in the lives of those they care for as well as the lives of other workers they come into contact with.
Prayer for those who are “Retired”
Lord, we pray for those retired from the traditional work force. Pray that you would grant them rest and good times with extended family. Pray that you would care for their medical and other needs. And pray that you would lead and guide each one into fruitful ministry for your kingdom, even if that looks different from how you have used them in the past. Grant them places to share your wisdom and stories of your faithfulness with younger generations.
Prayer for Workers for the Harvest Field
Finally, Lord, we pray that you might raise up workers for your harvest field, and that you may use us as an answer to that prayer. May we each know clearly and embrace boldly the role you have for us in the harvest fields around us in our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, friendships and families. May you guide us as a church as we seek to faithfully work for your kingdom. May you raise up those willing and able to go to the ends of the earth, bringing your Gospel to those who have not yet heard.
May you help us to love you deeply, to be filled with Your Spirit, and to live and speak to all those we encounter each day out of the overflow of that love. In the name of and for the glory of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit we ask these things. Amen.
Also available as Markdown.