Written by MICHAEL S. CHEN
PHILADELPHIA, PA
To those involved in quiet, unseen labor: May there be
compassionate witnesses to come alongside you, and most of all may
you also know the power and protection of Christ in your costly and
honorable work. Here is a prayer that perhaps can put to words the
spiritual resources we have in Christ.
God of our love and labor,
You accepted the vocation of suffering.
You cried out for the cup to pass
And yet, you also dared to cry ‘nevertheless’
The honor of your humble work
Did not protect you from its humiliation
Defamed by mercurial rulers
Denied by inconstant friends
In this refining fire, our armor was forged and
Through your surrender, we receive the same surprising Spirit.
Grant to us healing, for yesterday.
Grant to us strength, today.
Grant to us tenderness, for tomorrow.
Grant to us yourself, forever.
Amen.