Prayer for Those Who Labour

God bless the bent over people,
the ones who are stooping.
God bless the arms stretched out people,
the ones who are reaching.
God bless the heavily laden people,
the ones who are carrying.
God bless the on-the-move people,
the ones who are walking.

Around the world, people of every
size and shape and age, labour for a living.
In the hot sun, under the cold grey sky,
whipped by wind, drenched by rain,
on the ocean, deep underground,
and in factories and workshops
the work goes on and on,
every hour of every day and night.
So much of what we have comes to us
through the labour of others,
help us be both mindful and thankful.

Thank you for our bodies,
and the dignity of a hard day’s work.
Thank you for rest after strenuous effort,
and the easing of sore muscles.
For all here who rely on their bodies
for their living, give health, relief from pain
and continued strength and stamina.
Bring justice for all who labour
under unsafe conditions,
and all who don’t get compensated fairly.
Be with those who are lonely for family
because their jobs are far from home.
Especially be with those who struggle
because they cannot find work.
We pray this in the name of Jesus,
who also laboured in the working world,
Amen.