Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:7-13

Through your work you have the opportunity to impact many people. There are the people you see every day who are influenced by your attitude and your prayers. There are also people you don’t see on a daily basis who experience the benefits of your work. You have the chance to ignite all these people through short purposeful prayers throughout your workday.

Prayer in the workplace doesn’t need to be a big production. It could be a quick “please” or “thank you” whenever a new person crosses your path.

One customer service representative made a habit every time the phone rang of saying “Thank you, God, for the person I’m about to talk to.” The prayer didn’t take longer than one ring to say, and it changed the way this worker approached the phone call. As a result, whoever was calling left the interaction feeling blessed.

Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words” (Matthew 6:7). You don’t need to devote hours of time to prayer in order to bring God into your workday. Quick prayers are enough.

Martin Luther said that prayer should be “brief, frequent, and intense.” Whoever crosses your path today, whether it’s a customer, a coworker, or the person who empties your trash can, take a moment to pray for them. Expect God to do the rest.

Prayer: God, be present in my work today. Lead me through prayer, and teach me how to lead others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Further Exploration: If you enjoyed this plan, find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

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