Call to Worship
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Thanksgiving
Gracious God, thank You for the gift and blessing of work and the opportunity to contribute to our communities. We pray for all who labor today – those who build and create, those who teach and help heal, those who protect and who work for justice, those who plant and harvest, and those who serve in countless ways in the quiet background. We pray for all who work and serve for the common good. Creator God, thank You for providing us with gifts to share our talents.
Scripture Reading
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Refer: Colossians 3:23
Prayer of Intercession
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
(first offered by St. Patrick, Breastplate Prayer of Protection)
Father, we remember that every good and perfect gift comes from You so thank You for the many ways You offer for us to provide for our families and others. May our labors, whether big or small, honor You and be graced by You. We ask for loving hearts so that we bear witness to Your ways and accomplish work as done unto You. Make us faithful stewards of your creation to enhance and respect the dignity of our global family. We pray for all who need and are searching for meaningful employment.
And today we bless the many women and men who work ‘from behind’ at Lakewood Church, including the worship techs, council and board members, trustees, staff parish relations, sheep dogs, those who keep our facilities pristine and running smoothly, persons who keep and care for the grounds, and all others who give of their talents in service to You and for the common good. We ask this in the name of Jesus, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever.
As The Spirit Leads
Please continue in prayer for any personal, church, community, nation, or world needs, concerns, or thanksgivings.
Lord’s Prayer
Let us close by praying the words that Jesus taught.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Refer: Matthew 6:9–13
Thank you for joining us in prayer. We hope you join us tomorrow.
The LORD bless you and keep you.
The LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you.
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
—Numbers 6:24–26
