Welders work with temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun, in confined spaces, at heights and underwater. The prayers below are for safety, for skill, and for the kind of honest work where a weld that looks good also is good.
Historical Context
Eligius was a seventh-century goldsmith known for his honesty. Given gold to make one throne for the Frankish king, he made two and returned none of it. Smiths and metalworkers have claimed him ever since.
A Welder’s Prayer
Lord, bless the work of my hands today.
Protect my eyes, my lungs and my skin.
Keep fire where it belongs and away from what it shouldn’t touch.
Give me a steady hand and a patient eye,
and let every weld I lay be sound, even the ones no one will inspect.
Bring me home safe tonight.
St Eligius, pray for me.
Amen.
For an Apprentice Welder
Lord, I’m still learning.
Give me patience to practise, humility to take correction
and respect for the dangers of this trade.
Help me become a welder others can trust.
Amen.
For a Welder’s Family
Lord, keep my welder safe today:
on the rig, in the shop, in the tank or up on the steel.
Bring him home tired but whole.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- Before striking the first arc of the day.
- Before work in a confined space, at height or on a pipeline.
- Before a certification test.
- On 1 December, the feast of St Eligius.
Scripture Connection
“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17
Metalworkers understand this proverb better than anyone. Iron is shaped by other iron, and people are shaped by the people around them. A good crew makes everyone in it better at the work.
Related prayers
For other metal trades, see the Ironworker Prayer and the Mechanic’s Prayer. For anyone who makes things, the Prayer for Creativity.