God our Creator, thank you for giving us life and breath and work.
You expect us to do what we can with what we have,
to work with peace and patience,
to balance busyness with rest, work with Sabbath.
Give us healthy bodies, and the nourishment we need.
Help us to do our jobs without complaint,
with all our strength and might.
You see what we do, even when no one else is watching.
Every day, in every task, give us wisdom to remember who we are,
your children, your workers.
Spirit of God, thank you for your presence
lifting our hearts, equipping us to fulfill our calling.
Empower us with just what we need;
determination and cheerfulness for those with hard physical work,
patience and compassion for those who deal with people,
insight and skill for those who must solve complex problems,
integrity and humbleness for all with power over others,
eagerness and a keen mind for those who study.
Lighten our work with joy and humour.
Breathe life into our community to provide support and encouragement
to all who labour and are heavy-laden.
[We think especiallly of….]
Jesus, son of God, and of a carpenter,
walk with us as we shoulder our work this week.
The deep breath, the first step, the big push,
all done in your name.
Help us to give and receive advice graciously
and to leaven our day with words of encouragement for others.
Fortify us to resist temptation,
to reject laziness, and to go a second mile.
Lord of the working world, we labour for you. Amen.
I am a Mennonite pastor currently teaching theology at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario. I’ve served congregations in Ontario and most recently, Alberta.