Before the Day’s Work 

Lord, as we go to our work this day,
help us to take pleasure therein.
Show us clearly what our duty is,
help us to be faithful in doing it.
May all we do be well done, fit for thine eye to see.
Give us enthusiasm to attempt, patience to perform.
When we cannot love our work,
may we think of it as thy task,
and make what is unlovely beautiful through loving service,
for thy name’s sake. Amen

George Dawson 1821-76