Liturgies of Labor: A Liturgy for Hiring, Firing, and Supervising Others

Lord, You have entrusted people to my care—

not as possessions,

not as tools for productivity,

but as human beings made in Your image.

When I hire,

let me see beyond résumés and skill sets.

Help me recognize potential,

value character,

and discern where a person might truly flourish.

When I supervise,

teach me to lead with clarity and compassion.

Let my expectations be fair,

my corrections be honest,

and my encouragement be genuine.

Make me slow to assume,

quick to listen,

and faithful in creating a workplace

where people are treated with dignity.

And when I must release someone from their role,

let me do it with gravity and grace.

This is never easy—

for them or for me.

Guard my heart from coldness

and guide my words so that even hard news

is delivered with respect.

In all of this responsibility,

keep me aware that leadership is not about control,

but about stewardship.

Not about authority for its own sake,

but about caring for people

in a way that reflects Your gentle strength.

Make my leadership a place

where truth and mercy meet.

Amen.