blessing for a place of work

When a place of work is blessed, both those who labor there and those who share the fruit of that labor should be invited.

All make the sign of the cross. The leader begins:

Blessed be God, who has begun a good work in us. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Now and for ever.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

Jesus showed us the dignity of labor. He was known as the carpenter’s son, and he willingly worked with the tools of his trade. Through the labor of our hands, we bring God’s blessing upon ourselves and others. Let us pray for all who will work here and for those who will share the fruit of their labor.

Then the Scripture is read:

Listen to the words of the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians: 1 Th 4:10-12

We urge you, brothers [and sisters], to progress even more, and to aspire to live a tranquil life, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your [own] hands, as we instructed you, that you may conduct yourselves properly toward outsiders and not depend on anyone.

(Alternate Readings such as Matthew 6:25-34 may be used.)

The reader concludes:

The Word of the Lord.

All respond:

Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer. A cross or other symbol may then be reverenced with a kiss and put in a place of honor. The leader then speaks the prayer of blessing; one of the following may be used or adapted as needed.