With the celebration of Labor Day this month, we turn our hearts to those in the workforce, those in search of employment, and those who have worked under unjust conditions. As we observe the year of St. Joseph, who is known for his special patronage of laborers, we hope that these prayers are a helpful resource to you.
Prayer for Labor Day
As the sun rises to bring in the new day:
We remember those who descend into the earth, their work begins in darkness, pulling from the earth, the resources we steward.
We remember those who work inside a building away from the light and brightness of the day.
We remember those who work outside in the harsh elements of our world, the bitter cold and sweltering heat of extremes.
We remember those who do not have a job to go to, who are struggling to meet the needs of their daily living expenses, for whom the day becomes long and arduous.
As the sun sets to bring in the evening of rest:
We remember those who work in the night.
We remember those who are trying to recover from their labor and toils of the day.
We remember those who participate in unsafe and dangerous work.
We pray for a renewed sense of dignity in their lives and in their work.
God, in your goodness, you have made a home for the worker. Make a place in our hearts for compassion to the men and women who labor tirelessly for basic necessities. Ensure a place for the men and women who are struggling to find work. Grant us your wisdom to greet and care for those who are unable to work due to illness or circumstances that prevent their participation. Be with the children who are not able to run and play, but instead must put in a hard day’s work to help their family afford to eat, to live. Be with us all, Christ Jesus, as we go about the busyness of our work. Hold us accountable not only for our actions, but most importantly to each of our neighbors. May we continue to work together to bring about your reign! We ask this in your holy name, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer for Work
Creator God,
thank you for providing us
with the gift to share our talents.
Provide our community, our nation, our world
the fortitude to provide work for all
which is decent and fair.
Make us faithful stewards
of your creation
to enhance the human dignity
of our global family.
We ask this in the name of Jesus,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit
now and forever.
Amen
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Work
Lord God look down upon us! Look at this city . . . Look upon our families.
Lord, you were not without a job, you were a carpenter, you were happy.
Lord, we have no work…
Do not leave us on our own. Help us to help each other; so that we forget our selfishness a little and feel in our heart the “we,” the we of a people who want to keep on going.
Lord Jesus, you were never out of work, give us work, and teach us to fight for work and bless us all. In the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer for Vocations (#24)
O Lord, help me know your will
for me
Let your light shine in the depths
of my heart
that I may know what you want
me to do with my life.
Help me believe that you have
a special plan for me.
Lord, I know I pass through this
life only once;
help me decide how you want
me to make a difference.
Like our Blessed Mother, give me
the wisdom to hear your voice
and the courage to answer
your call.
Above all give me peace
of mind and heart.
I offer this prayer in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Sources:
Pope Francis’ “Prayer for Work” from the Meeting with Workers, Sept. 22, 2013. Accessed at USCCB.org.
Prayer for Labor Day, USCCB
Prayer for Vocations (#24), USCCB
Prayer for Work, USCCB