It’s become a cliché to say that we live in unprecedented times, but we do. This is especially true when it comes to the employment picture as we approach Labor Day.
Some of us are more grateful than ever to have work. Others have lost a job—or business—through no fault of their own. And many of us aren’t sure if our current job will last. Whether you’ve lost a job, found a job, settled for a job or hope for a job, some of the following prayers might help:
Prayer for a Job
Lord God, You know my needs better than I do, and You see the “big picture” when I discern only a tiny part. So I ask You, in Your loving kindness and infinite wisdom to steer me toward work that will supply my needs and help me to do something useful with the abilities You’ve given me, that I may even “have something to share with those in need” (Ephesians 4:28, NIV).
Prayer for a Job Change
God, Your word says, “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4, NIV). You know all about my current situation, and You know what other opportunities exist. Please steer me and guide me to a new situation where my diligence will be rewarded and my level of job satisfaction will be greater.
Prayer for a Promotion or Raise
Jesus, You told Your followers that “those who work deserve their pay” (Luke 10:7, NLT). You know, too, how I struggle to make ends meet, and how I long to feel appreciated for the work I do. Please open my eyes and the eyes of those in decision-making positions to see and grasp an opportunity that will supply each of those needs.
Prayer for a Difficult Boss or Coworker
Father, I want to do as Your word says and “live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV). You also know how I struggle at times to do that in my current position. Help me. Save me from blame or shame. Guard my attitudes and actions. And help me to find ways to avoid misunderstanding and mistreatment while treating everyone at work the way I long to be treated.
Prayer for Effectiveness in My Work
Lord, I want to “Work with enthusiasm, as though [I] were working for the Lord rather than for people” (Colossians 3:23, NLT). Please show me abundant favor and make my efforts successful (Psalm 90:17); help me always to do good work and in everything to be diligent, skillful and effective in all that I do.
Prayer for Deliverance from Job-Related Fear
Lord, Your word says that You have not given me “a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV). Help me to believe that applies also to my work and to the fear of layoffs, unemployment, under-employment and more. Help me operate in faith, believing that You will take care of me and those I love, and that You’ll be with me, uphold me and help me face whatever my future holds.
These prayers are a mere beginning, of course, but they are a beginning. Feel free to amend or amplify them according to your situation and the desires of your heart.
