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Closing Prayers About Work

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These Closing Prayers are part of "Work in Worship," a collection of material for work-themed services compiled by David Welbourn. For more prayers, songs, readings and sermons, click on the table of contents to the right.

God our Father, Lord of all the world, we thank you that you have called us into the fellowship of your universal Church. Hear our prayer for all your faithful people, that in our vocation and ministry each may be an instrument of your love; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Be with us, O Lord,
as we now pray in your holy house;
and go with us as we return
to take up the common duties of life.
In worship and work alike
let us know your presence near us;
till work itself becomes worship,
and every thought be to your praise;
through Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Amen.

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Christ our partner,
you invite us to bear your yoke,
so that sharing in your work,
we may find our true selves
in relationship with you
and with those
we would bring to your friendship.

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ENVIRONMENT

Leader: Let us go now to enjoy and care for God's good creation.

All: Lord, in our grateful enjoyment of your creation may we come to know and love you more each day. Amen.

(From 'Celebrating Work' by Corrymeela [c.] )

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As we prepare to leave
and embrace the challenges
of our lives and our world,
let us ask for God's blessing:
May God bless us with strength to seek justice.
Amen.

May God bless us with the wisdom to care for our earth.
Amen.

May God bless us with love to bring forth new life.
Amen.

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FURTHER ALONG THE PILGRIM ROAD

Lord God,
we thank you for calling us
into the company of those
who trust in Christ
and seek to obey his will;
we are strangers no longer
but pilgrims together
on the way to your kingdom.
May your Spirit
guide, strengthen and send us out
in mission and service to your world,
to live and work
to your praise and glory. Amen.

(The Pilgrim Prayer – adapted. c. All Year Round, 1996, The Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland)

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We commit ourselves
to hold the truth as it is in Jesus,
to support each other in good and ill,
to challenge evil with the power of love,
to offer the kingdom in political and economic witness,
to work for the new community of all humanity,
and to risk ourselves in the lifestyle of sharing.

(Sheffield Eucharist Congregation, in ed. John Vincent, ‘Community Worship’, Ashram Community Trust)

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The one who believes in Christ
will do the work he does.

Christ the bridge-builder,
help us to work with you and for you.
Help us to choose hope
and through the power of the Spirit
help us to rebuild
God’s community of divine purpose
in partnership with all your people.

(Kate McIllhagga, in URC Prayer Handbook 1993)

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Eternal God,
make our spirits open to the moving of your Holy Spirit,
that being in tune with you at all times,
we may carry out your will
each day of our lives. Amen.

(Bob Garner, in ‘For the Healing of the Nations’, (Methodist) Prayer Handbook 1996-1997)

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Gracious God,
let us be partners in shaping the future
with a faith which quarrels with the present
for the sake of what might be.

(From Taiwan, in ‘For the Healing of the Nations’, (Methodist) Prayer Handback 1996-1997)

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Loving and holy God, walk with us we pray,
that in the midst of change we may feel guided and held in love
and that in familiar routine
we may see now things to light up our way;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Robin Hutt, in ‘For the Healing of the Nations’, (Methodist) Prayer Handback 1996-1997)

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Lord God, your goodness never changes
While you make all things new.
Give us such faith in your goodness
That we may remain secure
As we share in your continual activity
And rejoice in the new creation you are bringing into being;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(John Sampson, in ‘For the Healing of the Nations’, (Methodist) Prayer Handback 1996-1997)

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O Lord our God, King of the universe
who has given us the opportunity to work
and in our work, to provide for our families
and to serve other men and women,
give us the vision to see our daily work as the work of your kingdom
and do it in a spirit of willing service;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(c. Christine Allen, David Durston, Chris Powell and Wendy S Robins, SUNDAY, MONDAY Resources Books, Cassell and Scripture Union 1995)

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Give us the vision, O God our King,
to see beyond the in-tray and the computer screen
and to recognize our daily work
as the work of your kingdom
and to do it gladly to your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(c. Christine Allen, David Durston, Chris Powell and Wendy S Robins, SUNDAY, MONDAY Resources Books, Cassell and Scripture Union 1995)

Let Us Go to Our Work Stimulated by Hope (Prayer)

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Let us go to our work and into our relationships
stimulated by hope,
strengthened by faith,
directed by love,
to play our part in the liberation of all people,
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3 Methodist Closing Prayers About Work (Prayer)

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1) With the power of the Holy Spirit to aid us and with the presence of Christ to guide us, we dedicate ourselves to your work. Amen.

2) Lord, you have called us to journey with you.
You have promised to provide for our needs.
We go forward into an unknown future, certain of your guiding hand, aware of your presence, and trusting in you for all that may come.
In the name of him who trusted completely to your will, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

3) God, who calls men and women to follow,
enlarge our vision of you.
Let your Spirit move through us, filling us with light and life.
Make us clear channels of your love and grace
that we might serve you in serving others.
Jesus, the light of the world, goes with us. Amen.

(c. Barbara A Scott ‘Shaping Prayer’, Methodist Publishing House 1996)

May The Creator of All Enable You to Create (Prayer)

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May God the Father, the Creator and Lord of all, who calls you to share in his creative purpose, enable you to create after the pattern of his Son and in the power of his Spirit. And may the blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you in your work and in your homes, this day and for evermore. Amen.

Biddings and Blessings from the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (Prayer)

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1) Go forth into the world in peace, be of good courage, hold fast to that which is good, render to no-one evil for evil, strengthen the faint-hearted, help the afflicted, honour all persons, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

And the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with you always. Amen.

2) O God our Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but to serve: give us grace to follow his example and unite us in the service of your Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

3) Almighty God, who has given you the will, also grant you the strength to complete the work which he has begun in you, to the honour and glory of his name.
And the blessing….

4) Make all our words fit for your hearing
Make all our deeds acceptable in your sight
Sanctify all our thoughts and desires
And grant that, being pure in heart, we may see you; through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lived and died that we might have life. Amen.

5) O God, our Father, in Jesus Christ your Son you have called us to true discipleship and service.
Help us to be always watchful of our attitudes, so that when Christ comes in glory to receive us we may be prepared to enter with him into his Kingdom.
Help us to be faithful in all our relationships and diligent in all our work, so that we can be trusted to be and to do what you expect of us.
Help us to be peacemakers wherever we are, so that as we strive for truth and justice we may do so with humility as children of your Kingdom.
Help us to be so Christ-like on earth, that finally we may reign with Christ in heaven. Amen.

6) O God, since without you we are unable to please you; mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From the Prayer Book of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas, c. The Methodist Publishing House

Lord, Whatever We Do, Give Us a Sense of Achievement (Prayer)

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Lord,
Whatever we build,
Give us a glimpse of your glory.
Whatever we make,
Give us a sense of wonder,
Wherever we travel,
Give us a sense of reverence.
Whoever we meet,
Give us a sense of awe.
Whatever we do,
Give us a sense of achievement.
Whatever our situation,
Give us knowledge of you.

(David Adam 'Power Lines')

Mighty God, Give Us Strength To Do What You Would Have Us Do (Prayer)

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Mighty God,
Holy and strong one,
Give us strength
To do what you would have us do;
Deliver us from lack of purpose.
Free us from confusion of mind;
Save us from loss of integrity.
Maintain in us visions and ideals.
Sustain our openness and generosity.
Help us to continue to work for you,
That we may serve you all our days,
Mighty God
Holy and strong one.

(David Adam 'Power Lines')

Wrestle With the Chaos and the Pain (Prayer)

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Be in love with life,
wrestle with the chaos and the pain,
with yourself and with others,
spirit echoing Spirit,
trusting in the victory of the vulnerable,
glimpsing the peace, the wholeness,
the spaciousness, the justice and the joy
that comes from following the Pioneer
made perfect in suffering,
striving and yearning and crying out
from the depths and the heights
of the world’s anguish and the world’s bliss,
and so becoming friends and partners of God
in the divine creating.

(Jim Cotter)

Bless All Our Intention by Your Intervention (Prayer)

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Lord of all,
You made us for yourself
And for your great glory.
Bless us body and soul,
Shield us, keep us whole.
Bless all our intention
By your intervention.
Bless our words and all our deeds,
Guide us where our action leads.
Bless the workings of our mind,
Make us sensitive and kind.
Make us gentle in our dealings,
Bless our hearts with finer feelings,
Fill our lives with joyous laughter
And with glory ever after.

(David Adam 'Power Lines')

Lord, Extend Our Vision, to Perceive That This Is Your World (Prayer)

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O Lord,
Extend our vision,
Our clearness of sight;
Open our eyes to see
Beyond the obvious,
To perceive that this is your world;
You are in it,
You invade it,
You pervade it,
You enfold it,
It is immersed in you.
Here we encounter you,
Here we meet you,
Here you come to us,
Here your present waits to be revealed.

(David Adam 'Power Lines')

Grant Us a Vision, Lord, to Give Heed to Your Constant Call (Prayer)

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Grant us a vision, Lord,
To see what we can achieve
To reach out beyond ourselves
To share our lives with others
To stretch our capabilities
To increase our sense of purpose
To be aware of where we can help
To be sensitive to your Presence
To give heed to your constant call.

(David Adam 'Power Lines')

God, You Have Called Us to Serve You in the Midst of the World’s Affairs (Prayer)

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O Lord our God,
Who has called us to serve you,
In the midst of the world's affairs,
When we stumble, hold us;
When we fail, lift us up;
When we are hard pressed with evil, deliver us;
When we turn from what is good, turn us back;
And bring us at last to your glory.

(Alcuin, ca.735-804)

Lord Jesus Christ, Help Me to Follow and Find You in the World Today (Prayer)

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Lord Jesus Christ,
alive and at large in the world,
help me to follow and find you there today,
in the places where I work,
meet people,
spend money,
and make plans.
Take me as a disciple of your kingdom,
to see through your eyes,
and here the questions you are asking,
to welcome all others with your trust and truth,
and to change the things that contradict God's love,
by the power of the cross
and the freedom of your spirit.
Amen.

(John V Taylor)

Prayer About Work From The Office of Compline (Prayer)

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Support us, O Lord,
All the day long of this troublous life,
Until the shades lengthen,
And evening comes,
The busy world is hushed,
The fever of life is over,
And our work done.
Then, Lord, in your mercy,
Grant us safe lodging,
A holy rest,
And peace at the last;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

(The Office of Compline)

Lord, May We Return to Our Work Knowing Your Risen Presence Is With Us (Prayer)

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Lord of all life and power,
who through the resurrection of your Son
overcame sin and evil
to make all things new;
may we return to our work
knowing your risen presence is with us
and your love is within us. Amen.

(YMCA 'Windows into Worship', grey section p.6)

Lord, You Have Put Your Creation in Our Hands (Prayer)

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Lord Jesus Christ,
We have put our lives in your hands,
But you have put your creation in our hands
Take us,
Shake us,
Transform us.
No longer is what we have been,
what we have done, important;
It is what, with you, we might be,
what we might do.
Starting not tomorrow, but now. Amen.

(YMCA 'Windows into Worship', blue section p.6)

For the Potential You Have Given Us, We Thank You, Heavenly Father (Prayer)

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For the potential you have given us
For the possibilities that lie before us
We thank you, heavenly Father.

For our plans and their fulfillment
For your promises and their enjoyment
We thank you, heavenly Father.

In the problems that await us
In the perils that will meet us
Protect us, Heavenly Father.

In the pains of our achievements
In the powers that would control us
Protect us, Heavenly Father.

In our purpose and leisure
In our passions and our pleasure
Protect us, Heavenly Father.

(David Adam)

You Are Salt for the Earth, O People, Salt for the Kingdom of God (Prayer)

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You are salt for the earth, O people,
salt for the kingdom of God;
share the flavour of life, O people,
life in the kingdom of God.

Bring forth the kingdom of mercy,
bring forth the kingdom of peace,
bring forth the kingdom of justice,
bring forth the city of God.

You are the light on the hill, O people,
light for the city of God;
shine so holy and bright, O people,
shine for the kingdom of God

Bring forth the kingdom of mercy,
bring forth the kingdom of peace,
bring forth the kingdom of justice,
bring forth the city of God.

Almighty God, Sustainer of Daily Life and Work (Prayer)

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Almighty God,
sustainer of daily life and work,
and provider of all our needs.
Open our hearts to your creative power
so that we may know your will,
praise your name,
and share your vision for the creation of your
kingdom. Amen.

May God, the Giver of All Gifts, Fulfill Your Desire for the Prosperity of Your Industries (Prayer)

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May God, the giver of all good gifts, fill you with his wisdom and the understanding of his will.
May he fulfil your just desire for the prosperity of your industries.
May his Spirit reign in these towns and in all places and in all places of your employment.
And may he give peace in our time.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be upon you and remain with you always. Amen.

With Listening Ears and Obedient Feet We Journey On With Christ (Prayer)

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With listening ears and hearts,
With open minds, obedient feet,
We journey on with Christ,
And choose again the pilgrim way.
In new obedience to the vision we have caught,
We offer time and talents, energy and love
To serve the Prince of Peace
In worship, in active partnership, in hope.
Help us to take the risk of reaching out
For peace and justice in your name. Amen.

St Ignatius Loyola: Teach Us, Good Lord, to Toil (Prayer)

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Teach us, good Lord,
To serve thee as thou deservest;
To give and not to count the cost;
To fight and not to heed the wounds;
To toil and not for seek for rest;
To labour and not to ask for any reward
Save that of knowing that we do thy will.

(St Ignatius Loyola)

Into Your Hands, Lord, We Commit Our Lives, Our Work and the Tasks That Await Us (Prayer)

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Into your hands, Lord, we commit our lives, our work and the tasks that await us, our homes and our families, our loved ones, and especially those in need. Bless all who work in our county, in whatever capacity or occupation, and may we all, through your grace, play our part in building your kingdom on earth. We offer these prayers in the name of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord God, We Have Doubted Your Power to Achieve Your Purposes (Prayer)

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Lord God, we confess our lack of faith especially when we have doubted your power to achieve your purposes. Help us to put our trust in your strength, and to know that you still work through those committed to you.

(From ‘Companion to the Lectionary, Volume 3’, c. Neil Dixon, Epworth 1983)

We Thank You, Lord, That Our Life and Ministry Are Set in a Time of Challenge (Prayer)

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We thank you, Lord, that our life and ministry
are set in a time of challenge;
that our faith is tested,
our ways rough and uncharted;
and we thank you for the promise
to save us in the time of trial.
Thus you teach us to depend on your grace,
and to live close to you
in humility and hope. Amen.

(From ‘Companion to the Lectionary, Volume 3’, c. Neil Dixon, Epworth 1983)

We Thank You, Father, That You Have Called Us Together to Build the City of God (Prayer)

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We thank you, Father, that you have called us together
to build the city of God.
Grant us a vision of your world as it might be:
a world of justice, fellowship and peace,
founded not on force but on love.
Lord, hear the prayer of our hearts
as we pledge our time and our energy and our thought
to make this world what you intend it to be. Amen.

(From ‘Companion to the Lectionary, Volume 3’, c. Neil Dixon, Epworth 1983)