To download a PDF of “A Prayer to Start the Work Day” click HERE, then go to your downloads folder on your device.
Here is the text of the prayer:
A PRAYER TO START THE WORK DAY
Lord, I’m going to work now.
It seems like it was just an hour ago I was waking up and getting ready to do my work. One day seems to run into the next. So I pray that today you would show me something new, teach me something new, and let me do something new that will be constructive, will help someone else, and will glorify you.
Lord, I’m going to sweat now.
It isn’t like living in the Garden of Eden. But I know that in “the field” of this world I can honor you in my work. I know that today I will face challenges and probably some frustrations. Help me know how to respond to any bad attitudes or influences I may encounter. Let me see how I can be a positive influence where I work. Sanctify my own attitude, raise me above my own fallen nature, empower me to uphold righteous values, and help me to persevere, especially when the work is hard.
Lord, I’m going to serve now.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else today in the work I do. You have created this world and everybody and everything in it. Help me see how I can bring your light and life to someone else today. Grant me wisdom to make good choices throughout the day. Prompt me to be compassionate toward the unemployed and the underemployed. I want to conduct myself according to the character of Jesus. And whatever I do, I want to do it in his name and for his sake.
Amen.
From Prayers for Our Lives: 95 Lifelines to God for Everyday Circumstances by Mel Lawrenz