For our summer catechesis, we are studying the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism. This week we consider our station and vocation as workers and employers. I recommend you listen here: 2013-08-24 Catechesis – To Workers and To Employers
The Catechism: Table of Duties—To Workers of All Kinds: Ephesians 6:5-8
| 5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. | 1st+ |
| 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. | 2nd+ |
| 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, | 3rd+ |
| 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free. | 4th+ |
The Catechism: Table of Duties—To Employers & Supervisors: Ephesians 6:9
| Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him. | 3rd+ |
Prayer for Workers
Heavenly Father, Your Son became a slave for us to redeem us from all sin. He worked for our salvation, though we did not deserve it, and He submitted to Your will with all His heart. Forgive us all dishonor and disrespect toward our earthly masters, and grant us the grace of Your Son that we might serve in our life’s work with faithfulness toward You and in love and obedience for those we are called to serve, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Christian Employers
Gracious Lord, You have given us great responsibilities and authority as employers and supervisors of others . Teach us by Your grace and mercy to treat our workers and those who are under us with respect, understanding, and compassion. Give us a humble spirit toward them and help us to see our workers as gifts of God who depend upon us for their livelihood and who enable us to be of greater service to others for whom we perform our life’s work; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.