Prayers for Peacemakers. 10 May 2017
On the first day of May most countries commemorate the International Worker’s Day or the Labor Day. Millions of people take to the streets and march for their rights. They demand better and just conditions to carry out their jobs.
When we sit at the table, when we get dressed, when we go to bed, when we go to our places of study, work or worship, when we buy food, when we feel sick and need a doctor, even when we make banners for a protest… Many people have worked hard to make these activities possible. And how many of them have been exploited, abused or forced by people or circumstances to do it?
Let us pray for each and every worker on this planet. Let us pray for respectful and just conditions for all to carry out their work activities. Let us pray, and work for change, for a fair wage and for the end of all forms of slavery. Let us pray for all mothers to be able to receive adequate maternity leave. Let us pray for all children so that they can enjoy their childhood instead of exploitative work. Let us pray for both women and men so they can receive equal salary for same work and thus overcome the economic gap.
Psalm 128:2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Misael Payares, a leader of the farming community of Las Pavas’ nonviolent resistance. Photo credit: CPT Colombia.
