We all work. Some of us do paid work. Many of us do lots of unpaid work. Even when we are retired, even retired for many a year, we still find we have work to do.

What do we think about work? Do we love it or hate it? Do we look forward to it or do we dread to face it? Or do we simply get on and do it without too much fuss?

In the opening pages of the Bible, we find there are already two different ideas about work. In one set of texts, work is treated as a great blessing from God; in another set of texts, work is treated as a great curse which falls upon us all.

So think how you regard work. Think about the paid work you do or you used to do. Is it, or was it, a joy? Is it, or was it nothing but a burden? Is it, or was it, just something you get, or got on with? Think in just the same way about the unpaid work you used to do or you still do.

The world of work is ever changing. Getting a job for life no longer seems to be the way of the world. Frequent changes in ones work, an endless need to train and re-train, pressure and yet more pressure on oneself in ones working life, all seem features of work today.

May we pray for each other that our work might be good and wholesome and fulfilling and that God will bless us through our work and give us the strength to work well and wisely, in such a manner that our work draws us all ever closer together and ever closer to God’s own kingdom.