Labor Day: A Service of Blessing and Prayer

The first Monday in September is set aside as Labor Day. It is altogether fitting that we should pray God’s blessings upon others and ourselves in whatever occupations people engage as well as upon the instruments and tools with which tasks are done. Indeed, orders for such blessings and prayers have been placed in various editions of the Occasional Services for just that purpose.

In the fall of the year, it is also appropriate that we implore the Lord to watch over those who engage in various types of recreation, among them being boating, fishing, hunting, shooting and the equipment being employed. By so doing, we acknowledge that all of our activities are carried out under the watchful eye of the Lord God and that we need His help in bringing those activities to a good and wholesome end. Everyone is invited to pray for fruitful employment, meaningful relationships, and public and personal safety as well as to receive God’s gracious benediction upon themselves and the implements they use, be they for recreation or work.

“Do not speak evil of God and do not curse a leader of your people” (Exodus 22:28). “Do
not harm My chosen servants; do not touch My prophets” (Psalm 105:15). “The prophets should be the eyes of the people” (Isaiah 29:10). “The Sovereign Lord never does anything without revealing His plan to His servants, the prophets” (Amos 3:7). “It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn My will, because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty” (Malachi 2:7). “Jesus said to His apostles, ‘Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me, rejects the One Who sent Me.’” (Luke 10:16).

Come as you are, you will not leave as you came!

God the Father answers knee-mail: Try it in the name of Jesus!