Day 34 – Nov. 3

“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” – Ephesians 4:28

God made us as working creatures, strengthens our hands, inspires our minds, and blesses our efforts as creators within His creation. Just as the earth “brings forth” fruits, so we “bring forth” new things that enhance God’s good creation, and the very effort we put in has a way of growing us more and more into the likeness of our Creator. Work is good, and necessary for a society, as our work blesses one another.

O Creator of all things, bless our feeble efforts to act as vice-regents in Your creation. Give us the day in which to plow and sow, reap and harvest, invent and produce, create and share. Give us the night to rest and be refreshed. We thank You for all those who labor to support life in our towns and villages, who make us safe, ensure people have necessary things, and offer a wide range of creative outlets so that we might glorify You and Your Son through the blessed avenue of work. May our efforts remind the world of Your creative power and generous love. In Christ we pray, amen.