Have you ever found yourself anxious on Sunday night because you dreaded what awaited you at work on Monday morning? Do you ever wish you could quit your job? God always intended our work to be a meaningful part of our lives, but what do we do when our work creates more problems than purpose? How can you find joy and strength in the Lord that will sustain you? Here are eight passages and prayers you can use to help you thrive at work, no matter what situation you find yourself in.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – Colossians 3:23
Heavenly Father,
some days it’s all I can do to get myself out of bed to go to work. The environment I find myself in is sapping the joy out of my life. Help me to remember that I’m not working for my boss or for a paycheck; I’m working for you. Show me how to give my all on the days when I hit a wall. Change my perspective on my circumstances at work so I can honor you there today.
Amen,
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. – 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
Lord,
I’m frustrated about what’s going on at work. I feel like I don’t have a voice there. There are so many things I wish I could change. Help me shift my focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. Teach me how to live a quiet life and mind my own business. Prompt me to know when to speak and when to be silent. May my kindness and work ethic be an example to my co-workers today. Make the changes you want to make in them and in me.
Amen,
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. – Matthew 5:16
Father,
I work in a dark, dark place. I know you’ve got me here for a reason, but I can’t see it. Sometimes I wish you would put me somewhere else. But, for however long you have me here, may I be a light to the people in this place. May my good deeds shine out for them to see so that everyone will praise you. Teach me how to shine my light so that it leads my co-workers to Christ.
Amen,
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9
God,
I thank you that you’ve given me a job. It doesn’t always feel like a blessing, but I know it’s one of the ways that you’re providing for my needs. Right now, I feel tired of going through the motions at work. Fill me up with your power and strength. Help me continue doing what’s good, no matter how bad things may get. May I stick with it so I will reap a harvest of blessings in my life.
Amen,
Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’ – Matthew 11:28-29
Lord,
I’m tired of work. I’m tired of my boss and my co-workers. I’m just tired of the whole thing. You say that I can come to you and find rest. Lord, that’s what I need right now: rest. I’m weary and carrying heavy burdens. So give me your rest today. Show me how to take off my yoke, and the yoke others have put on me, so I can take up yours. Teach me how to follow you so that my soul can find the rest I so desperately need.
Amen,
Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! – Psalm 34:12-13
Heavenly Father,
I thank you for helping me through all the hard days at work. When things get under my skin there, it’s so hard not to want to give voice to all my frustrations. Help me to watch my words at work. Give me the strength to be a person of integrity even when those around me are not. May I talk about my co-workers how I want them to talk about me. Show me how to take the irritations of work-life and leave them at your feet today.
Amen,
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18
Lord,
I’m having a hard time getting along with people at work. The things that they say and do can irritate me. I know I can’t change them; only you can do that. Change their hearts toward me and toward you. Help them to become the people you want them to be. Help me do my part to live in peace with them today and trust you with everything beyond my control, knowing that you see what’s going on, you care, and you’re working behind the scenes.
Amen,
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. – Proverbs 15:1
Father,
I thank you for the love and grace you’ve shown me. You are slow to anger and gentle with me even when I don’t deserve it. Show me how to show the same gentleness to the people at work as you’ve shown me. May I see them the way you see them so I can love them the way you do. Help me respond in such a way that my words and actions extinguish the flames of conflict at work today.
Amen,
