Need to make it through a long work day? Or week? Take a moment, print out these prayers, and offer them to Christ, the Savior and Sustainer of all life.
The first is written by Graham Wells via The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation & Culture:
Dear God, you provide for us in all ways, from our daily bread to our daily work, we praise you for the blessing of life. During this time of thanksgiving, we thank you for our families, health, and for sending your Son to save us. We pray for a deep reliance on you as the provider of all things. We pray for your holy spirit to reassure us and strengthen us in our daily lives as we battle against the sin all too present in this world. In the name of your son, our savior, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. -Psalm 46:1-3
The second prayer is from the Book of Common Prayer:
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
The third prayer comes from Redeemer Presbyterian Church’s Center for Faith & Work:
Dear Father, Son and Spirit,
You have called us to be salt and light in a world where there is much brokenness and darkness. You have called us out of this darkness into your glorious light to love those around us as you have loved us, strengthened by the grace that you generously give. You have made us in your image and through the gospel, we are being made more human.
Grant to [us] the grace to see your light shining brightly in this city and in our world, so that we can see the glimpses of glory that surround us each day.
Open our eyes to see what is unseen, to be overwhelmed by the unfading glory that surrounds us so that our hearts may be freed from our idols to serve the One true living God.
Grant to [us] the grace to see the power of community—people who are united in spirit and purpose—so that together we might more effectively serve the world around us. Empower us with the Spirit of Christ to serve those in our workplaces, rather than seek to be served by them. Help us to be instruments of grace in our companies and industries and to know that your life-giving presence is not excluded from even the darkest places.
Grant to [us] the grace to see your unchanging love towards all who look to you, so that our hearts are strengthened with grace and not fear. You have not withheld your only Son from us, but gave Him up for us all, and you will be faithful to graciously provide all that we need for every good work that you call us to.
Amen.
Brian is the VP of Formation here at DIFW and also leads our 5280 Fellowship program. Prior to landing at DIFW, he served in pastoral ministry for thirteen years and at Denver Seminary for four years. His vocation includes moving ideas out into life through relationships and conversation – whether that applies to God, work, the Church, good beer, or Liverpool Football Club. He married way out of his league, and spends most of his free-time being parented by his two daughters.
