30 Days of Prayer: In the Midst of Our Work

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Genesis 2:15

At the beginning of creation, God placed mankind in a garden and gave them work—to tend to, cultivate and care for his creation. Ever since that time, God has been divinely placing individuals in work roles and responsibilities that help care for his world. His people work in breadmaking, insurance, construction, retail, restaurants, manufacturing, skilled trades, web design and so many more. And whenever their work is done with a worshipful spirit—with excellence and care for the customers they serve—God looks upon them and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Remember that no matter what type of business you are in or what type of challenges the businesses in our community are facing right now, God has placed you there for a purpose and he will not abandon his work in and through you.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask your protection, guidance and favor over the businesses and business leaders operating in our community right now. For those who continue to bring people into work, give them wisdom for how to best care for their employees, customers and vendors.

For those businesses who have had to close, I pray that you meet the needs of everyone impacted – the customers who no longer can get the goods and services they need, the vendors who may be losing income from no longer having an outlet, and the employees who may have now lost their income.

In all of this, please provide these individuals with peace, comfort and confidence to know that you are always in control of all things—including their businesses – and that you are still in this moment working good for those who love you and who have been called according to your purpose.

For Reflection:

Calm your heart for several minutes and ask God:

• Heavenly Father, how do you see me? Who am I to you?
• Lord, how do you view my daily work? Why have you placed me in the business, organization or situation that I am in right now?
• Father, what would you have me do today in the midst of my work? How can I best represent your truth and grace to others in my business, organization or environment today?

By Jeff Ostermann