Contrary to some beliefs, work is not a curse that God gave to mankind when they fell as a result of sin. In fact, even before Adam and Eve fell into sin, God had already placed man to work. In Genesis 2:15, it is written that God took the man He created and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. Therefore, each of us has a garden to work and keep—something that we are to be faithful in doing. Just like Adam and Eve, we have been placed by God to work.
Heavenly Father, may I always be faithful to the work that You have entrusted to me. Cause my hands to bear fruit in such work. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Work Essentials
For this section, when we say, “work essentials,” we do not refer to a list of protocols or equipment you may need at work. Instead, we are showing essential biblical truths about work. We need to ponder and pray that such truths will be a reality in our lives as we work.
A Good Prayer When Working
1. Diligence
(Proverbs 10:4 Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.)
A Good Prayer When Working
The Book of Proverbs repeatedly teaches us about diligence. In fact, Proverbs 10:4 teaches us that slacking off leads to poverty while being diligent leads to being rich. The passage, in essence, shows us the importance of diligence. If we look at it, how can one have an income and food to eat if one is too lazy to work? In the same way, if one is diligent when it comes to his or her work, he or she will become good at it—fruitful and successful (Proverbs 22:29).
2. Wisdom
(James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.)
A Good Prayer When Working
Wisdom is grace and mercy that we receive from God. If we want to be excellent in the work that we are doing, we will need His wisdom. However, we must understand that wisdom is not merely about being cunning or intelligent. It is about the fear of the Lord. In Proverbs 9:10, it is written that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, being wise at work is not just about solving problems but more about doing what is right in God’s eyes, for we have a reverential fear of God.
3. Attitude of Worship
(Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.)
A Good Prayer When Working
Philippians 2:17’s context is that Paul is serving the church in Philippi, which he does as a drink offering. What Paul meant was that he was serving out of worship to God. Drink offerings were part of the priests’ rituals whenever they offered sacrifices in the Tabernacles and, later, in Israel’s Temple. So, when we think of “drink offering,” we think of “worship.” So, being a drink offering means living a life of worship before God. Just like Paul, we are drink offerings being poured out as worship to God. Therefore, even our work should be seen as worship toward our God, Who has placed us there.
How to Pray for Work
As you pray for your work, you can pray for the essential biblical truths mentioned above. You can ask God for the grace to be diligent, His mercy to give you wisdom to be excellent in your work and always to do that which honors Him, and also to fix it so that You will see work not as a burden but as a worship of God. Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can come before God’s throne and ask Him for the grace and mercy we need. So, we ask God for such graces and mercies—to be diligent and wise and always treat work as our worship of God.
Father in heaven, give me the grace to never be lazy but remain diligent in doing my work, even the tedious tasks. May the truth that work is a form of worship of You motivate me to be diligent in it and see it not just as mere toil but as something that I am doing for You and not for men. Give me the wisdom that I need so that I will be prudent and wise at heart, always do what honors you, and be excellent in my work. Bless the work of my hands. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
As you work, remember that you are doing it for God and His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). You want to glorify God by displaying Who He is through the diligence and excellence that you exhibit. That includes being faithful no matter what kind of work you may have. God is honored by those who are faithful whether he or she is a white-collar or blue-collar employee.
A Good Prayer When Working