Labor Day Prayer

O God, Father of us all, we praise you for so binding humanity together that we must each lean upon the strength and labor of others. We ask your blessing on all men and women who have worked to build and warm our homes, make our clothes, and bring out of the sea and land the food which nourishes us and our children. We pray that they may have health and joy, and hope and love, even as we desire for ourselves.

Grant us wisdom to deal justly and kindly with every man and woman whom we meet in the business of life. Help us not to unknowingly cause suffering through selfish indifference or wilful ignorance. Because the comforts of our lives are brought to us by people we do not know or see, grant us the wisdom and will to help reform trade and industry, to free them of hardness and unfairness.

May the time come when we wear and use nothing that is wet in your sight with human tears, or cheapened by wearing down the lives of the weak. Save us, we earnestly ask, from unconscious guilt. Help us to strive for the coming of your kingdom of justice when your merciful and saving will is done upon earth. Amen.