Father in Heaven,
We pray for our neighbors
Whose work is manual labor.
We pray for their body.
Give them the endurance, health, and strength
This hard work requires.
We pray for their mind.
Give them attentiveness and perseverance
To be mindful in the monotony of manual work.
We pray for their spirit.
Give them imagination and ingenuity
For the creation and contribution of their work.
We pray for their tools.
Give them dependable and reliable equipment,
To masterfully build, form, and shape.
As Jesus watched Joseph
Hold tools in his hands each day,
May he be an example of the humility and nobility
Of manual labor.
Amen.
Thank you to the contributions to this prayer by: Andy Magel, Chris Horst, and Justin Phelps.
Other prayers to engage with place…
Our Father,
We worship and praise You
As the Creator who worked for six days,
Using hours to build the world
In all of its beauty and brilliant majesty.
You rested and experienced joy in Your creation
Because it was good.
Creator and Good Shepherd,
You made the creatures we tend and the ground beneath their feet.
Before they belonged to our farms, businesses, or tables,
they belonged to You.
Lord God,
We pause in this moment to give You worthy recognition
For Your supreme sovereignty over all things.
We offer both acknowledgment and gratitude
For Your attentive, providential love and care
That You extend to us each day.
Dear God,
There are so many ordinary ways
To give and receive your love.
From the cuddles of our kids.
From the laughter of a dear friend.
From holding the hand of a spouse.
Teach me today
To give and receive
Your love as a neighbor.
Father in Heaven,
With August’s arrival,
The morning sunlight beams
Come later through the windows.
May we rest in your great faithfulness,
Remember that your steadfast love never ceases;
And Your mercies never come to an end.
Father in Heaven,
Hear our prayer for Your children
During this summer season.
May summer not be a prolonged season of isolation,
But one of generous invitation to
Play dates and sleepovers,
Camping trips and day camps,
Pool parties and birthday parties.