In the rush of our professional lives, we often create artificial divisions between our faith and our work. We compartmentalize Sunday worship and Monday meetings, seeing them as separate domains rather than a seamless expression of our devotion to God.
Yet Scripture reveals a profound truth: work is not separate from worship but an extension of it. In Genesis, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it,” establishing work as a sacred calling from creation’s beginning. The Hebrew word avodah encompasses both work and worship, suggesting they are beautifully intertwined in God’s economy.
When we recognize our workplaces as mission fields and our professional skills as divinely endowed, transformation follows. The distinction between sacred and secular dissolves, and every meeting, decision, and task becomes an opportunity to honor God and advance his kingdom.
I recently wrote a book featuring key prayers designed to help believers integrate kingdom perspective into their daily work rhythms. Whether facing leadership challenges, ethical dilemmas, or opportunities for impact, these prayers will guide you in approaching your work as genuine worship.
Below are three prayers from the book. As you journey through these prayers, I believe you’ll experience renewal in your professional calling and discover fresh purpose in your work as an act of devotion to God.
Before a Major Decision
Almighty God,
I stand at a crossroads, facing a decision that will significantly impact our organization’s future. The responsibilities of leadership feel weighty today. You promise that “the steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way” (Ps. 37:23 ESV). Establish my steps as I delight in your guidance.
Father, clear my mind of anxiety and pressure that might cloud my judgment. Help me evaluate options not merely by financial metrics or short-term gains, but by alignment with your eternal values. Show me implications I might have overlooked.
Jesus, you made difficult choices with perfect wisdom, even when the path led through suffering. Grant me that same courage to choose integrity over expediency and long-term flourishing over quick profits.
Holy Spirit, speak clearly through the counsel of trusted advisors, through relevant data, and through my sanctified intuition. When complexity threatens to overwhelm me, bring simplicity and peace. If I’ve been pursuing the wrong path, redirect me with your gentle conviction.
I trust that as I seek your Kingdom first, you will direct this decision for good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dealing with Disappointment or a Bad Decision
Faithful Father,
I come before you, carrying the weight of disappointment from a decision that has not turned out as I hoped. The path forward seems unclear, and I feel the sting of failure.
Remind me that your Word says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18 ESV). Draw near to me now. God of all comfort, help me resist the temptation to deny responsibility or shift blame. Give me humility to acknowledge mistakes, wisdom to learn the lessons this situation offers, and courage to communicate honestly with those affected.
Lord Jesus, you know what it means to endure disappointment and suffer unjustly. When criticism comes—whether deserved or not—help me receive it without defensiveness. When remedial action is needed, show me the next right step.
Holy Spirit, set a guard against discouragement that might tempt me to abandon my calling. Renew my confidence not in my own abilities, but in your power to work all things together for good. Help me see this setback as part of my growth rather than a final verdict on my leadership. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Identity in Christ
Heavenly Father,
In a business culture that defines worth by performance, position, and profit, I need your reminder that my true identity rests in you alone. Your word declares, “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Gal. 3:26 ESV).
Help me live from this unshakable foundation today. Lord, when success tempts me to derive my value from achievements, remind me that I am loved by you apart from any performance. When failure tempts me to question my worth, reassure me that my standing as your beloved child remains unchanged.
Jesus, you remained secure in your identity even when others rejected or misunderstood you. Grant me that same inner stability—anchored not in professional reputation or organizational title, but in who I am in relationship with you.
Holy Spirit, expose the subtle ways I seek validation through work accomplishments rather than resting in grace. When comparison steals my contentment, when criticism wounds deeply, when recognition becomes too important, realign my heart with the truth that my primary vocation is beloved child of God.
May this secure identity free me to serve others without the need to prove my worth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Editor’s note: Get your copy of Redeeming Monday: 30 Prayers for Business Leaders by Robert J. Pacienza here. Used by permission of the Institute for Faith & Culture.