Give thanks for those working
to serve one another
in time and in talents
with God-given powers;
the work of our Maker
will daily sustain us;
the call is the Lord's and
the calling is ours.
The work of the midwives
ensured the survival
of Israel in Egypt,
the people of God;
the work of a shepherd
entrusted to Moses,
to lead through the desert
where angels had trod.
The work of the weavers,
designers and craftsmen,
constructing the dwelling
where God was made known;
pure gold and bright silver,
blue, purple and scarlet,
in beauty of holiness
Christ is foreshown.
The work of a joiner,
a carpenter-builder,
brings touches of heaven
to service on earth;
and tent-making, trading,
and farming and fishing,
all find new dimensions
because of new birth.
The work of a Saviour,
to open a kingdom
is ours at the cost of
his body and blood;
for none could redeem us,
no leader but Jesus;
all praise to the Worker
who brings us to God.
Christopher M Idle (b.1938)
© Christopher M Idle, admin. The Jubilate Group
Metre: 6 6 6 5 D
