A Prayer Before Work
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands!
Psalm 90:17 (ESV)
The craftsmen who built the tabernacle in Exodus 31 were described as filled with the Spirit of God — for craftsmanship, skill, and artistry. God's presence in our work isn't reserved for ministry roles. He's interested in the quality and character of whatever we put our hands to.
A Prayer Before Work
Father, I'm heading into the working day. Thank You for the skills and opportunities You've placed in my life. Thank You for the people I'll work alongside today, for the capacity to be useful, and for the fact that work itself is something You designed and called good. Before I open anything or pick anything up, I want to acknowledge that all of this comes from You. Whatever work I do today, I want to do it well, not just for my own reputation, but as an offering. Colossians 3:23 says to work heartily, as for the Lord. That's a different kind of motivation entirely. Let me feel that today. Give me focus where I need to concentrate. Give me wisdom in the decisions I'll have to make. Give me patience with difficult people and difficult systems. Let me not be the source of someone else's bad day. And where my work connects with other people, colleagues, clients, those I'm serving, let me do it with genuine care. You care about the people I'll encounter today. Help me carry that same regard. Establish the work of my hands. Make it count for something beyond today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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