How many times have you reached the end of the workday and realised you didn’t include God?
For me, it’s too many times to count.
Especially in my previous consulting role, I found I was constantly on the go – if I wasn’t running to make my train in the morning, I was rushing to the next meeting or putting my head down to get a report to a client on time.
Each day was a race against the clock. I was so focused on getting things done that I would often forget to invite God into my workday.
And I would feel it by the end of the day. Sometimes, it looked like impatience or a lack of tolerance for others. Other times, it looked like emotional exhaustion from the politics. Every now and then, it was pure frustration over every little thing.
Now, I’d probably still experience some of this even with a conscious effort to give my work to God. But with prayer, it would all be overcome by God’s perfect peace and the reassurance that no matter what my workday looks like, God’s got it.
As my workdays are now slower (and I need all the guidance I can get to build my business), it’s encouraged me to be more intentional with how I start my workday. Praying over my day and creating room for God to take His place as Lord over the work I put my hand to and the business I’m stewarding, has transformed the way I approach work.
I wish I had put this into practice sooner!
I believe that praying over our work or business is something Christians should do daily – even if for a minute or so – to see God move in and through us in the work He has called us to in this season.
Here are some scriptures I regularly call upon when I’m praying over my workday or my business, to receive God’s grace for the day and align with God’s purposes.
#1 – Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Example prayer:
Lord, I thank you for enabling me to work and earn a living. Thank you for your continual provision and the opportunity I have to serve you through my work. May all that I do and say throughout my workday be done with the view of being an ambassador for Christ.
#2 – 1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Example prayer:
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge you as the giver of life. May all that I do in this life bring you glory above all else, including my work. Please help me not lose sight of this purpose as I walk through my workday today.
#3 – Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Example prayer:
I thank you, God, that I am created by you and for you. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, I have been redeemed in purpose. That purpose includes my daily work. When I get lost in the detail or caught up in the motions, please help me to remember that there is a greater purpose for the work you have given me to do.
#4 – Psalm 127:1
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.
Example prayer:
Heavenly Father, I exalt you as the master builder. May my work, my business, and my home be built by you and you alone. I surrender it to you. I pray that my labour would not be in vain but that it would be fruitful for your Kingdom here on earth.
#5 – Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Example prayer:
Lord, I consecrate my work to you and commit all that I do today to you. Would you please lead the way as I embark on my workday – guide me and counsel me through every decision. I recognise that nothing and no one can establish me in my work like you can. I give it all to you.
#6 – Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Example prayer:
Lord God, I thank you for your presence. As I start my workday, I know I don’t do it alone but that you go before me into this day. Please help me continually be aware of your presence with me throughout the day, may it give me the courage to do all that you ask of me today.
#7 – Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Example prayer:
Heavenly Father, my Good Shepherd, please guide my heart and my motives throughout this workday. May I seek you and your kingdom above success, money or the approval of people. I thank you and acknowledge you as Jehovah Jireh, the one who provides for my every need.
#8 – 1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Example prayer:
Lord, thank you for your grace. I thank you that it is by your grace that I can go to work/run a business each day. Please show me how to use the gifts you have given me to bless others through my work/business. Help me faithfully steward those gifts in a way that is pleasing to you.
#9 – Ephesians 3:20
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Example prayer:
I thank you, God, that you don’t call me to strive in my work or do it all in my own strength. It is your mighty power that is at work within me, enabling me to do all that I set out to do and more. I believe that as I allow you to work through me today, you will exceed my expectations in every way. May your power be on display through my work!
#10 – 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.
Example prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the wisdom that you so generously give to your children. Right now, I ask for a measure of your wisdom to direct my steps throughout my workday. May I call upon your infinite wisdom in every decision I make today.
