As the summer comes to a conclusion, I hope that you enjoy a restful, long weekend together with family and friends, and maybe one last beach excursion! At the same time, let's not overlook the reason for the extra day off, to reflect on the value and meaning of work in our society, how it is meant to be something that adds value to one's life, and not something that should be exploited. So, we might consider praying the prayer below at our Labor Day gatherings to keep this in mind: Lord God, Master of the Vineyard, How wonderful that you have invited us who labor by the sweat of our brow to be workers in the vineyard and assist your work to shape the world around us. As we seek to respond to this call, make us attentive to those who seek work but cannot find it. Help us listen to the struggles of those who work hard to provide for their families but still have trouble making ends meet. Open our eyes to the struggles of those exploited and help us speak for just wages and safe conditions, the freedom to organize, and time for renewal. For work was made for humankind and not humankind for work. Let it not be a vehicle for exploitation but a radiant expression of our human dignity. Give all who labor listening hearts that we may pause from our work to receive your gift of rest. Fill us with your Holy Spirit that you might work through us to let your justice reign. Amen.