Labour Day Prayers
The Angelus, by Jean-Francois Millet
We call it "The Angelus," the beautiful, if simple window into the integral relationship of worship to work by Jean-Francois Millet, who first titled it "Prayer for the Potato Crop," artfully remembering the inarticulate longing in every heart, sons of Adam and daughters of Eve we are, that at the end-of-the-day our labor is not in vain.
As his work made its way through 19th-century Europe, finally finding its home in the Louvre, it was read and reread by many who for reasons of their own hearts could not make sense of its sacramental simplicity, sure it was about "this" or about "that," deconstructing its meaning for the world without windows to the transcendent.
On this Labor Day weekend, it seems right to ponder what we pray and why we pray-- perhaps especially in these perplexing days of pandemic. While we are working differently, we are working, still working, and hoping-- some of us for potatoes, some for a new school year, some for the wisdom to keep a business alive, some for a more just society, some for the grace to love our families more fully, some for the skill to build a good house, some for the insight to understand diseases of heart and mind, soul and strength, and perhaps some for the gift to paint in a way that will remind generations to come that our vocations can be sacramental signposts of the world that is and someday shall be.
And if you are drawn in by this man and woman, wondering what it might mean to pray for the work of our hands, then this "Prayer for Vocations" is a gift to you.
About the Author
Dr. Steven Garber served at Regent College from 2017–2020 as Professor of Marketplace Theology and Leadership and as Director of Regent’s Master of Arts in Leadership, Theology, and Society. Prior to his time at Regent, he served as Principal of The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation, and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Steven completed his PhD in the Philosophy of Learning at Pennsylvania State University, focusing on the connection between belief and behavior. His published works include The Fabric of Faithfulness: Weaving Together Belief and Behaviour and Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good. He is an advisor and consultant for a diverse range of businesses, foundations, and educational institutions including Demdaco Corporation, Mars Corporation, Murdock Trust, Blood:Water Mission, and Telos Group. A native of the great valleys of Colorado and California, Steve is married to Meg. They have five adult children whose own callings have taken them all over the world.
