A Litany and Theology for Work

The following litany was written by Pastor Diana Trautwein and myself for a church service where we prayed for a variety of service/ministry organizations in our city and led the congregation in a commitment to God's work. The service was then followed by a ministry fair where people could be educated about different opportunities for service and volunteer their time and talents to aid an organization in their work. In my opinion, a strong theology of work is a necessary component for a healthy church in order to recognize God's activity, practice true worship as well as advocate and partner for kingdom justice. I offer the following litany for prayer and meditation to connect with the God who cries "Mine!" over all the world and those who live in it.

A Litany for Work
Referencing Psalm 24 & 145, Haggai 2, Ephesians 6 & 1 Peter 3

Leader: “The earth is the LORD’s, and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it.”

People: Christ, our Sovereign Lord, cries, “Mine!” over every square inch of our human existence.

Leader: “The Lord is generous and his grace is abundant for all who are his. He upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. He opens his hand, satisfying the desire of every living thing.”

People: The Lord of all life invites us to join this work of giving grace, raising up the bowed down, upholding the fallen.

Leader: Forgive us, Lord, when we ignore your invitation, when we forget that true worship means loving you and loving our neighbor; that we worship you by loving our neighbor.

People: Empower us now, O Lord, to be your true partners, joining in the work you are already doing in our community.

Leader: “Search for peace, and work to maintain it,” you tell us; “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord,” your word declares.

People: Give us eyes to see and the will to do your gospel work. Help us to take small steps toward the healing of our broken world, for Jesus’ sake.

ALL: May we hear and heed your call:
“And now get to work, for I am with you, says the LORD.”