For Manual Workers

O THOU, who workest hitherto, and still workest in creation and in providence; be very gracious to all who are called to lives of toil, and who bear the heat and the burden of the day. Grant them strength for every task, lest they become discouraged and their spirits faint and fail within them. Whatsoever their hands find to do, let them do it with all their might in remembrance of the night coming on so fast when no man can work. Inspire them with a sense of duty, that they may be daunted by no hardness, tempted to no stint of effort or of care. Grant them to meet the tasks of each day with a bright and cheerful face, and when evening comes to thank Thee that they have been enabled to add a little to the wealth, the well-being and the happiness of the world. And while they work for the bread that perishes, help them, O Lord, to remember that other Bread, of which, if any man eat, he shall never hunger again. Take from them all class-jealousy and envy of others richer in worldly things than themselves; all greed and self-seeking, all hatred and bitterness; and fill their hearts with tenderness and love toward all men, rich and poor alike. Never let them forget the dignity of work, or sink into the servile mind through men-pleasing. But rather let them recall the figure of Thy Son who dwelt among us in the guise of a workman, and turned every human duty into a divine privilege. Reveal to each worker the secret of Christ, that work may nowhere be a curse but everywhere a blessing and that at the last those who have laboured here in sweat and trial may hear Thy voice saying to them, "Well done, good and faithful servants; you have been faithful over a few things; I will set you over many things." Grant this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.