Prayers

Adapted from FORWARD, Day by Day (Jan 2010); Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal); Paul Geres; Anonymous

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment. (BCP)

Receiving just payment for their labor; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Lord, I have just balanced my checkbook and now turn to you for calm and peace and dignity. The calm which I lose when my small income disappears and I have nothing left.

What I fear is degradation. I fear no longer thinking of anything but money. I fear making easy comparisons with others who earn more, and this a hundred times a day, in front of shop windows and at the counters of stores... (P. Geres; adapted)

Lord God, things have gone badly wrong. We have forgotten you, worshiping other gods and following our vain desires. Lord forgive our sin and folly and blindness. teach us again that we are our brother's keeper and turn us back to yourself. (Anonymous)