The Bustle of Work
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-13
...Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles I have sent into exile from
Jerusalem from Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they
produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters...seek the welfare of the city where I
have sent you into exile, and pray to God on its behalf...
I struggle with the idea of being in the world, but not of the world. Certainly worldly values
don't coincide with those I hold most dear, and there are days when I wish I could wrap
myself and my family in a cocoon which would keep away consumerism and racism and
all the other "isms" that we find ourselves doing battle with each day.
But as tempting as going off and trying to create a more perfect society might be, we are
meant to live in the world. We are meant to be salt and light and yeast. The world needs
people who will seek the welfare of the cities and towns where we live. The world needs
bankers and teachers and mechanics and administrators who see a larger vision, who
seek to serve God rather than simply make a buck, who pray for those whom they
encounter each day.
The Bustle of WorkGod my wisdom and strength:
in the bustle and busy-ness of work,
fill me with your energetic Spirit,
and remind me to pause and recall
that my labor should find favor in your sight,
so that ll my work would do you honor,
by helping you renew the face of the earth.May your Spirit bless and increase
the creativity of my mind,
the effort of my hands,
my collaborations with my colleagues,
my consideration of those I serve,
and my gladness for your love and guidance. Jennifer Phillips, Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives
...Thus says the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles I have sent into exile from
Jerusalem from Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they
produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters...seek the welfare of the city where I
have sent you into exile, and pray to God on its behalf...
I struggle with the idea of being in the world, but not of the world. Certainly worldly values
don't coincide with those I hold most dear, and there are days when I wish I could wrap
myself and my family in a cocoon which would keep away consumerism and racism and
all the other "isms" that we find ourselves doing battle with each day.
But as tempting as going off and trying to create a more perfect society might be, we are
meant to live in the world. We are meant to be salt and light and yeast. The world needs
people who will seek the welfare of the cities and towns where we live. The world needs
bankers and teachers and mechanics and administrators who see a larger vision, who
seek to serve God rather than simply make a buck, who pray for those whom they
encounter each day.
The Bustle of WorkGod my wisdom and strength:
in the bustle and busy-ness of work,
fill me with your energetic Spirit,
and remind me to pause and recall
that my labor should find favor in your sight,
so that ll my work would do you honor,
by helping you renew the face of the earth.May your Spirit bless and increase
the creativity of my mind,
the effort of my hands,
my collaborations with my colleagues,
my consideration of those I serve,
and my gladness for your love and guidance. Jennifer Phillips, Simple Prayers for Complicated Lives
