We honor today St Joseph, foster father of Jesus. His liturgical feast is actually celebrated on March 19th, but today we honor him as the patron of workers. Renowned to be a carpenter, Joseph taught the tricks of the trade to his son Jesus, and people invoke his prayers when searching for a job or looking for work. May Day celebrations are held around the world, especially in communist countries, but the Church emphasizes the image of Joseph as the patron of all those who work. Through his intercession, may those who are unemployed find adequate jobs to make a living to support their families. In his honor, I wrote this prayer today.
Lord Jesus, as the world
celebrates May Day today, the church celebrates the feast of Saint Joseph,
patron saint of workers, and so our thoughts and prayers go to all those who
work, those searching for work and that the dignity of all workers be respected
and honored everywhere.
We pray for those who work with their hands,
carpenters, construction workers, farmers, ranchers, fishermen, writers,
printers, nurses, sculptors, painters, engineers, cooks, chefs, and yes, even
baseball, snooker and football players. May
they always stay focused on the work at hand and avoid any accidents or mishaps. We also pray for those who use their minds at
work, doctors, lawyers, accountants, counsellors, teachers, planners and inventors, politicians and
strategists, priests and teachers, and mothers and fathers who use both hands
and mind and heart. We ask you
Lord to provide work opportunities for those parents who need some form of
income to support their families. May employers and employees collaborate
together and see good, productive work accomplished with dedication, honesty
and commitment. And as we continue the work of creation, remind
us also to rest on specified days, and never waste any time at work, or do
things which are otherwise done during leisure time. We ask this prayer through
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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