Pastor: In the waters of baptism, Christians make the passage through death to the new life of the resurrection. Each day of our lives is shaped by this baptismal journey. Within our lives, we know the importance of work, employment, and vocation.
On this Labor Day weekend, gathered by the Holy Spirit around Jesus Christ, the Word of salvation, we pray for God's guidance for all, and especially for those who are unemployed and seeking employment, as well as for each of us in our daily vocations.
Assistant: Let us pray. God of justice, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our wealth and resources that all people may find suitable and fulfilling employment and receive just payment for their labor; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
Intern: Let us pray. Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Guide us with your justice in the workplace, so that we may never value things above people, or surrender honor to love of gain or lust for power. Prosper all efforts to put an end to work that brings no joy, and teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the sake of the common good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Pastor: Sisters and brothers, I invite you to come and receive a sign of anointing and vocational calling in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Those who wish to receive laying on of hands and anointing approach and, as conditions permit, they may kneel.
The blessing: In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, be guided and strengthened by God's grace, that you may know the dignifying and sustaining power of the Spirit.
After all have returned to their places, the assembly stands.
Intern: Living God, through the lay on of hands and anointing, grant comfort and strength in our daily vocations. When we are afraid, give us courage. When afflicted, comfort us. When dejected, give us hope. When alone, assure us of the support of your holy people. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastor: Almighty God, who is a strong tower to all, to whom all things on heaven and on earth bow and obey, be now and evermore your sure defense, and help you to know that the name given to us, to do God's work with our hands, is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Service continues with the sharing of the peace.
(litany adapted from resources in Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
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