Labor Day: Work and Rest
Monday’s Verse:
From Colossians 3:23 ESV
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Labor Day gives us an opportunity to thank God for the work He places before us. Whether our labor happens in an office, classroom, shop, home, truck, train, congregation, cancer center, hospital, or in the quiet care we give to family and neighbors, our daily tasks matter to the Lord.
In a fallen world, work can be tiring, frustrating, and sometimes unrecognized. Yet Jesus Christ has redeemed us—not only for eternal life, but also for faithful service in the ordinary places where He has called us. We do not earn God’s favor by our labor; Jesus has already secured that favor through His cross and resurrection. Rather, freed by grace, we serve our neighbors with the gifts, strength, and opportunities God provides.
Labor Day also reminds us that we are not defined by what we accomplish. God Himself rested on the seventh day, and Jesus invites the weary: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Our deepest rest is found not in a holiday weekend eating grilled hamburgers, but in the forgiveness, mercy, and peace of Christ.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord God, thank You for the work You have given us to do. But we also give You thanks for those whose work helps us. Bless all who are working this Labor Day, and those who are taking a rest. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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