Worship and Prayer Resources With and for the Unemployed and for a Troubled Economy

While the focus of the nation and the world is on conflict between nations, unemployment is creating havoc in families on every continent and crushing the hope of many. Christ calls the church to stand with those who suffer unemployment or underemployment. The following resources are offered as encouragement to praying communities to hold all the unemployed in their care and to minister support to them as occasion allows. Some of the resources listed below, particularly the hymns and songs, are calls to stir us up to action and service and social change for the sake of the unemployed, the poor, and the marginalized.

The United Methodist Book of Worship

465 "Give us ... some work"
539 For Disciples in the Marketplace
540 For Those Who Work
541 For Those Who Are Unemployed
569–570 For a New Day and the Hallowing of Work With God

Other prayers

God, whose Spirit broods over the deep,
hold close to your heart those who are searching for work.
Encourage their spirits to persevere.
Soothe tense relationships that threaten to tear their families apart.
Turn our hearts toward them in compassion,
generous support, and
efforts to open doors of opportunity,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Daniel Benedict
Copyright © 2003 The General Board of Discipleship

A Blessing of Those Searching for Work
This blessing may be adapted to include family members; offering this blessing with the laying on of hands and/or anointing is suggested.
May the most high God look upon you with favor.
May the bright Sun of heaven shine on you.
May the wind of Mercy direct your pathways.
Three in one God, bless name (and his/her family).
Come and fill name with assurance of your presence
to bless and to restore.
Give name wisdom and perseverance through this time of disorientation.
Like the oil and flour that did not run out for the widow of Zarephath and her son,
make name's food and shelter and love last with amazing plenty.
May the day come soon when name finds suitable and fulfilling work.
May he/she rejoice that with employment or without employment
his/her dignity and call as a disciple of Jesus Christ continues.
May we be good friends who continuously pray for name and show name true support through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daniel Benedict
Copyright © 2003 The General Board of Discipleship

The United Methodist Hymnal

178 "Hope of the World
358 "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind"
432 "Jesu, Jesu"
433 "All Who Love and Serve Your City"
434 "Cuando El Pobre" ("When the Poor Ones")
446 "Serving the Poor" (prayer)
560 "Help Us Accept Each Other"
561 "Jesus, United by Thy Grace"
566 "Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love"
592 "When the Church of Jesus"
Also see hymns on Prayer, Trust, Hope: 451-508
And see hymns on Strength in Tribulation: 510-536

The Faith We Sing

2170 "God Made from One Blood"
2171 "Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"
2172 "We Are Called"
2175 "Together We Serve"
2177 "Wounded World that Cries for Healing"
2179 "Live in Charity"
2180 "Why Stand So Far Away, My God?"
A lament to sing with those who hurt and feel abandoned.
2183 "Unsettled World"
2186 "Song of Hope" ("Canto de Esperanza")
2187 "Now It Is Evening"
2191 "Eternal Father, Strong to Save"
2193 "Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying"
2195 "In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful"
2197 "Lord of All Hopefulness"
2200 "O Lord, Hear My Prayer"
2203 "In His [God's] Time"
2208 "Guide My Feet"
2209 "How Long, O Lord"
A lament to sing with those who hurt and feel abandoned.
2210 "Joy Comes with the Dawn"
2211 "Faith Is Patience in the Night"
2214 "Lead Me, Guide Me"
2218 "You Are Mine"