Work for the Lord

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy God, you called St. Charbel from Lebanon's villages into the prayer of the Maronite Church and the hidden life of a hermit. As I begin this novena, gather my restless heart and receive my intention. Through his intercession, deepen my love for the Eucharist, make my work an offering, and form me into an instrument of healing, unity, and peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us pause in silence, and bring to mind the intention you are praying for.

In the app, your own saved intention rests here during the silence. The narration stays the same for everyone.

And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Monastic life joined Charbel's prayer to manual work, obedience, and ordinary community duties. His hidden labor mattered even when no visitor saw it. Work done for the Lord is not frantic perfectionism or tolerance of exploitation. It is the freedom to bring care and integrity to the task at hand without needing applause to make it worthwhile.

God who receives hidden offerings, accept the work before me today. Through St. Charbel's intercession, give me patience with ordinary tasks, courage to resist injustice, and humility to cooperate with others. When no one notices, remind me that love gives work its deepest value; when I am praised, keep my heart free. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

St. Charbel, monk, priest, and hermit of the Maronite Church, your hidden life in Christ became a lamp far beyond Lebanon. Carry my intention before God. Pray for those who are sick, displaced, grieving, or divided by conflict, and for everyone who cares for them. Help me seek Christ in silence, receive him in the Eucharist, work with love, and become a bearer of his peace. Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.