Place all your life in God’s hands on Day of Prayer

By Editor | May 2, 2013 |

At-the-ready, the equipment stood in the field. A turn of the switch and the giant machine would begin its task of preparing the soil and planting the seeds to feed the world. But Harold insisted on “first things first.” He knew the land, the seed, the machinery – everything – belonged to God.

He left the cab, then kneeling on the soft earth, this farmer prayed: “Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth, we humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Invoking God’s name and making the sign of the cross to the east, west, north and south, Harold climbed back in the cab, started the engine and began the task of raising a crop. He knew with whom he worked in this endeavor (Deuteronomy 10: 12-13) and was confident of God’s presence.
It wasn’t acres of soil that faced Bridget as she hung her coat in the hall of her work place, got a cup of coffee from the break room and took a seat before the screen that would provide her with work to feed her family, pay the mortgage on the house, giving herself and her loved one security.
Sitting quietly for a moment, with hands folded Bridget counted a few of the blessings that had come her way this week. Then, with words of the heart, she turned to God: “Almighty God, whose son, Jesus Christ, in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed our labor, be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; and give to us all a pride in what we do and a just return for our labor. Through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.” With that, she turned on her screen and humming to herself a tune from her heart, Bridget started her daily task of serving God and whoever God brings into her life this day.
As the sleeping earth comes to life and we each go to our work, it is good to put our life and our labors into God’s hands. “O merciful creator, your hand is open wide to satisfy the needs of every living creature; make us always thankful for your loving providence; grant that we, remembering the account that we must give, may be faithful stewards of your good gifts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus reminds us “ask and keep on asking, and you will receive; seek and keep on seeking and you shall find; knock and keep on knocking and the door shall be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7, Inclusive Bible). Saint Paul underlines that with his own invitation: “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17).
Join your faith family in worship of the Lord this week. And pick up the gifts of love, joy, peace, patience and kindness awaiting you.