Tag: job

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Appreciate the Blessing of Work

Gracious God,
While you created us to tend the garden and care for creation, the Fall forever corrupted our perfect relationship with the blessing of work. It is primarily our own sin and selfishness which drive our disdain for work. But, when we add deadlines, bosses on power trips, and self-centered co-workers to the mix, we find even more reasons to dread the workplace. 

Use us to provide an example that stands out from the negative perception of work that is so common in the world. Help us to recapture the positive relationship with work that you always intended. May we celebrate it as an outlet for creativity and problem-solving, and a place to provide purpose and meaningful contribution to a collective effort. Through our work, give us the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles and the joy of a job well done. Let our favorable speech, body language, and attitude toward our jobs stand out so much to others that they’re drawn to ask us for the reason behind it, then give us the courage to direct that conversation to you.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Dealing with Difficult Coworkers

Dear Savior,
Ever since the Fall, sin has tainted your blessing of work. Even when we are fortunate enough to be able to do what we love and are skilled at, still there are frustrations in even the most ideal situations. Sometimes those challenges stem from the responsibilities of work itself; other times our struggles have more to do with people. 

When faced with the issue of difficult coworkers, help me to navigate the tension that can exist between my own morality and ethics, which are established and guided by your Word, and a different moral compass by which the world and secular workplace often operate. Let me speak up when I see conduct that is not condoned or endorsed by my place of employment, since I have a responsibility to uphold the name and reputation of my workplace. When lazy coworkers take advantage of the strong work ethic of others by unfairly assigning them heavier workloads, bless the solid coworkers and rebuke and correct the lazy ones. When coworkers refuse to honor appropriate boundaries with others, let it be known and addressed. When/if I come under fire for my faith, let me stand firm and let my light shine as I am able to in keeping with the established policies. When I am feeling overwhelmed by the burden of difficult coworkers, give me the peace of mind and heart in remembering that I am working first and foremost for you above all else. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Increase My Work Ethic

Lord God,
When you created a flawless universe and called Adam to oversee and care for it, you established work as a blessing and privilege. Since the Fall, however, we view work differently. We often associate work with toil, frustration, and futility. Rather than seeing it as the blessing you intend it to be, we often see it as a burden. 

Remind me that through my job, I am not just working for a manager, a CEO, or a company, but most importantly, for you. So when I give anything but my best, forgive me. Steer me away from trying to justify subpar or lazy work for one reason or another. You deserve my best effort at all times, and my workplace and neighbor are better served, too. There is a lack of work ethic among many men in our culture today that I ask you to turn around. Help men to rediscover the drive to produce and build and create. Fill them with meaning and purpose in their work, and help them find satisfaction in a job well done. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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To Bless Young People Through Summer Employment

Providential Father,
When the school year is over, the months away from the classroom often include opportunities for young people to pick up summer jobs. Summer employment can provide unique learning experiences. Teach young people lessons that will serve them well for the rest of their lives, such as being on time, working well with others, being reliable, and the value of hard work. Help them learn how to handle paychecks, giving thoughtful consideration to how to manage your financial blessings.

When they have to deal with difficult managers, employees, or customers, use those challenges to strengthen their relational skills and develop their emotional intelligence. When they have scheduling conflicts between work and personal plans, teach them discernment and the importance of good decision-making. As they engage and interact more and more socially, impress on them how many chances they have to let their light shine and to be a witness to others. Overall, use these summer employment opportunities to help them acquire skills that will be a blessing to them and to others for the rest of their lives.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

DAILY PRAYERS FOR GUYS

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For Working Mothers

Dear Father,
As we honor mothers this week in prayer, I pray today for working mothers. Whether working full-time or part-time, in the office or from home, the juggling act of being a working mom takes its toll in many ways. It’s not as easy as flipping a switch to go from mom mode to work mode and vice versa. Not only do the responsibilities themselves overlap over and need to be carried out, but the mental and emotional burdens are heavy, too.

Grant working mothers coworkers and employers who are both understanding and accommodating. In cases where additional assistance is necessary for childcare, provide whatever is needed. When working moms wrestle with the guilt of not being available for their children around the clock, release them from that guilt and assure them that you are always present, caring and providing for every child’s need. Keep work requirements from robbing them of the joys of motherhood, and give them sufficient rest to be able to carry out both roles well and to your glory. 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. 

Living a Full Life

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Photo by Anton Darius

I’m ready to die.

I didn’t say that I want to die, but that I’m ready to die. I’m not suicidal. I wasn’t diagnosed with a terminal disease that has given me mere months to live. No, I’m just ready to die.

I am often struck by the energy and effort many put into life… without scarcely a thought about death. Perhaps they (you?) wish to avoid thinking about it. Perhaps they (you?) don’t put much stock in it (that is, what happens after death), so the belief is that if this life is all that there is, then we had better make it count.

But here’s what I have found: my life is so very meaningful and richly fulfilling because I am ready to die. That is because I know what will happen when I exhale for the very last time.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. I myself will see him with my own eyes – I and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

Job 19:25, 27 (NIV)

I’m ready to die, for I am at peace now with what I know will happen then.

So no, it isn’t the end of the world when hardship hits me in this life. Tragedy doesn’t turn my world upside down. Loss doesn’t leave me languishing helplessly. Bad things will inevitably happen, and I will take them in stride.

What’s more, I can give my absolute best in this life, because the life that is coming to me is the kind of gift that prompts one to spend his time here on earth expressing gratitude in every way possible.

I am ready to die. 

Therefore… I can really live.