Morning Prayer and Reflection: Labor Day

Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


This is such a wonderful prayer; too bad we don't see or use it often.  It's the official prayer for Labor Day.  Would that in our national conversation these sentiments might find purchase:

• our lives are so linked that everything we do affects others (and not just that things others do affect us!),
• therefore, we need to work for the common good rather than expecting others to work for our good;
• neither our work nor our economy is all about us individually,
• and so we ought to recognize the needs and vocations of others,
• and, especially right now with the dismal economic data coming in, we need to be concerned for those who are un- and underemployed. 
• Let us not only pray but work to be invested in and build up our communities.

Let us on this Labor Day, whether we are resting from our work or acutely aware of our need for work, care for one another and for our communities, near and far.  Let us be aware of those who suffer from lack of work or lack of meaning or lack of community, not only in our prayers but as we go about our daily lives, making choices about how to live.

Life is hard for many people. Let's remember that today.