O
Lord God, we praise you that you have made us, that you have breathed into us
the breath of life. We thank you that you have established for us the pattern
of six days of labor and one of rest. We thank you for the day of rest, that it
is not simply a day of relaxation, but a day blessed, a day sanctified unto you,
a day in which you are the object of our praise and our consideration.
We
praise you that you have given us the gift of labor, that we are not called to
idleness. Enable us to praise you with the work of our hands, that we may labor
as unto you and not as eye-pleasers. We pray especially for those who labor in
tilling the soil, for those who provide the bread for our tables. Bless them in
their labor. Make their labor fruitful for the good of all.
We
thank you for the gift of marriage. You have given man a helper suitable to
him. The two you have joined together as one. We pray for all those who are
married, that we would treasure this gift, that we would cultivate our
marriages as the farmer cultivates the soil, ass the shepherd cares for his
flock. We pray for those who are unmarried, yet long to be. Provide for them
according to your wisdom. We pray for those whom you have called to be
unmarried for the work of the kingdom. Strengthen them that they might be
careful for the work of the Lord.
We
ask all this in the name of Jesus, who carried out all his labor for your glory
and for the sake of his bride, the church. Amen.
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