A Labor Day Litany

O Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth, on this Labor Day, we thank you for your care and loving concern for workers throughout the world. We remember all workers: men and women; young and old of all races; ethnic and language groups in Asia and Pacific, Europe, Africa, North Africa, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America and the Middle East. Help all working persons to realize a deeper understanding of your presence and call them to do justice and build human community where they are employed.

For workers who face dangerous conditions or hazards in their work
without sufficient warning or protection,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For all those who face the conflicts
of working and caring for children without adequate support,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For all workers who cannot find work
and for whom unemployment assistance is not available,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For workers who are displaced by technical changes
or global pressures to relocate jobs,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For children whose childhood has been cut short
because they are forced to work,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For all who face difficulties or are discriminated against
in getting work or at the workplace
because of race, gender, ethnic group, physical disabilities,
political or religious beliefs, or sexual orientation,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For all workers who have been affected by labor disputes
or who have been discriminated against
as a result of their union activity
or because they sought justice in their place of employment,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.

For all workers whose work is taken for granted,
is unappreciated or lacks meaning,
Jesus, worker and carpenter from Nazareth,
hear our prayer.


For more prayers and litanies for Labour Day, click on Labour Day in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.