A Special Prayer For This Labor Day

"Today's Devotion" For September 5, 2005

A SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THIS LABOR DAY

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Today we mark a national holiday, both for the United States and Canada, which gives thanks for the gift of labor - working with our hands the things that are good - Your precious and holy gift to humanity. Since the late 1800's, Father, the United States has taken the time to acknowledge this special gift of labor as well as to honor the hard work of those who have worked to build and sustain the nation.

As we celebrate this day again this year, Father, we do so with heavy hearts as we see the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas. Many have lost their lives because they were ill-prepared for the storm or were unable to escape because the didn't have the means.

As a nation that has helped other nations, most recently tsunami relief efforts in Southwest Asia, a half a world away, it would seem we'd be able to help our own people in the face of the devastation we see on our televisions. Yet, it seems, Father, that we're ill-prepared to care for our own.

With tempers and emotions running amuck, gracious God, I pray that You would send Your Word and Spirit to calm the hearts and minds of those in need, of those despairing of help, of those who are afraid, and of those who are pouring in to help. Help us to overcome our tendency to point fingers of blame at others, seeking rather to find wise and good solutions to the challenges and inequities that have arisen in our ability to care for our own citizens.

Continue to move the hearts of people to give generously to the relief efforts. Be with the emergency personnel, the police, the firefighters, the National Guard and other military personnel, doctors, nurses, emergency workers, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and scores of other relief organizations who are laboring so hard to bring relief to those in dire straits. Protect them from the violence and lawlessness that has broken out in some areas in the absence of order. Provide wisdom and courage to those charged with restoring order that they might do so without having to use force.

Father, as we view the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the numerous ways we, as a people, have been responding, help us to see how important and necessary it is for us to turn to You more and more in our lives. As a nation we have become too complacent about having a relationship with You. We take Your blessings for granted, often failing to seek Your wisdom before we make decisions or use the resources You give us. Those who have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior from Sin, Death, and Satan are too often guilty of failing to stand up for what is good and pleasing to You in a winsome way, knowing that only Your Word and Spirit can turn hearts around.

Forgive us, Father, for our sins and bless us with Your peace. Bring comfort and hope through the ministrations of many to those who are suffering, and allow everyone to see that true relief, hope, and peace come only from You.

Father, as we observe "Labor Day" again this year, in the face of the devastation brought into the nation's life and consciousness, help us to turn to You for help and comfort. As we give thanks for the gift of labor which allows us to be slight reflections of Your creative nature, guide us to act with the labor of love as we reach out to those in need, and as we raise them up to You for Your peace.

In Jesus' precious and most holy name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.