For times when we have work to do

For times when we have work to do
we thank you, gracious Lord:
for challenge and for dignity,
for purpose and reward.

2. Our skills, our time, our energies,
the things we plan or make—
may all the duties we perform
be done for Jesus’ sake.

3. To those with whom we share the task
and those we serve each day,
may all our labours illustrate
our humble Master’s way.

4. We face the strains of drudgery,
the lures of compromise:
for pressure, make your people strong;
for conflict, make us wise.

5. Though work be hard or hard to find
we thank you, gracious Lord,
that you remain our dignity,
our purpose, our reward.

Genesis 2:15, Ecclesiastes 2:24, 6:16-20, Colossians 3;17,23, 1 Corinthians 1:31, 11:1, Philippians 2:7, Mark 10:43-44, Matthew 10:28-30, Jeremiah 9:24