A job is a blessing—but it can also produce high stress levels, even if we mostly enjoy or appreciate our work. Whatever the case may be for you, here are 10 verses (some revised from the original text to make them more “prayable”) to pray your way through work-related stress:
1) You, Lord, are “my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2 NIV).
2) The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NIV).
3) May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17 NIV).
4) [My] help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 124:8 NIV).
5) God, surely You are my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. You, the Lord himself, are my strength and my defense; You have become my salvation (from Isaiah 12:2 NIV).
6) Lord, give me grace to do as Your Word says: “Banish emotional stress from your mind and put away pain from your body” (Ecclesiastes 11:10 NET Bible).
7) Your steadfast love, Lord, never ceases; Your mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV).
8) Let not my heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (from John 14:27 NIV).
9) Let the peace of God, which transcends all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (from Philippians 4:7 NIV).
10) God, help me to remember that even if I should suffer for what is right, I am blessed. I do not fear their threats; I will not be frightened (from 1 Peter 3:14 NIV).
You may choose to repeat these Bible verses and prayers throughout your work week. You might select one a day to meditate on. You could also keep them handy for specific circumstances that bring on stress in your work life.
Whatever is most helpful to you, these—and other verses the above may suggest—can steer your attention to the God who is “always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).
