Editor's note: This liturgical prayer is shared in a call-and-response format for use in church or group settings, but we think it's an excellent resource for your individual prayer and meditation time. Thanks to our friends at The Porter's Gate for this prayer and their Work Songs project, featured at the DIFW annual celebration in May.
Leader: Let us pray. Almighty God, whose hands hold all matters of life, we pray for those whose vocations involve the governance of nations and commerce around the world, for those who oversee public policies and steward the world’s resources. We pray that you would grant them wise council, that the natural and financial resources of this world would be used justly, that all would flourish, that the rights of the marginalized and oppressed would be protected, and the needs of the poor and hungry met. We pray for these global vocations, that each might be diligently done in light of Your glory and love. Lord in Your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For local vocations that involve business, the distribution of goods, and public services, for the bus drivers, school teachers, bankers, stay at home parents, and surgeons, for those whose vocations we encounter every day but do not see, and those whose vocations we will never see at all. God we pray for the work of their hands. May their work be well done, may their hearts remain pure, may none exploit the resources of others, but may all work diligently for the good of our neighbors and city. Lord in Your mercy,
People: Hear our prayer.
Leader: For these image bearers of the Almighty in the vocations they undertake, Lord we thank You and bless You for their contribution to Your world. We pray that You would strengthen their hands and refresh their hearts as they return this week to the places to which You have called them.
People: Hear our prayer.
