Give Success to the Work of Our Hands

The following litany was developed by the Office of Worship a number of years ago at the request of our Office for Justice and Peace. It was intended to help us remember to pray for all of those who do not have work or who are oppressed because of unsafe or unethical working conditions.

A Litany for Labor Day

Leader: Friends, let us offer our prayers to God who pronounced all creation good, who sent his Son to live and work as one like us, and who calls us to serve in love the poor and those oppressed by any need. Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

Response (all): Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

Reader: For those who are unemployed or underemployed, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For those who have lost their jobs due to changing economic conditions, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For those who work in hazardous conditions without sufficient protection, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For migrant workers and all who work the land, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For children who are forced to work and for elderly who are not sufficiently supported in retirement, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For those who face discrimination, harassment or abuse in the workplace, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

For those who must balance job commitments with the needs of their families, we pray:

Lord, give success to the work of our hands.

Loving God,
through your Son Jesus Christ

you gave us an example to love one another

as he loved us.

Give us the strength to continue working

to bring forth your kingdom here on earth--

a kingdom of justice and peace,

kindness and compassion,

grace and mercy.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.