Prayer of the Farm Worker's Struggle

Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) was a migrant farmworker and labor organizer. As a Christian leader you’d have to call him a prophet - he exposed the plight of the oppressed, he called for justice, and he worked tirelessly to see it done. His deep faith carried him through many imprisonments, long fasts, betrayals, and other challenges. Let his prayer be yours today. Don’t pull back from the feelings, the aches, the longings in it. Imagine praying it with him on one side and Jesus on the other.

Prayer of the Farm Worker’s Struggle
César Chávez

Show me the suffering of the most miserable;
So I will know my people’s plight.
Free me to pray for others;
For you are present in every person.
Help me take responsibility for my own life;
So that I can be free at last.
Grant me courage to serve others;
For in service there is true life.
Give me honesty and patience;
So that I can work with other workers.
Bring forth song and celebration;
So that the Spirit will be alive among us.
Let the Spirit flourish and grow;
So that we will never tire of the struggle.
Let us remember those who have died for justice;
For they have given us life.
Help us love even those who hate us;
So we can change the world.

Amen.