Scripture Reading: Psalm 25:1-5

Pressure to make decisions, solve problems, and boost performance is the norm in many workplaces. That pressure can weigh you down. Prayer is a powerful tool for turning to God so you can release the pressure and ignite your leadership.

The writer of the Psalms faced extreme challenges in his work, too. Hundreds of people reported to him. Competitors sought to kill him. His future was often uncertain. In the midst of the daily chaos, the psalmist turned to God in prayer. Psalm 25 can serve as a template for your own prayers.

The prayer opens with offering your inner-most self to God. “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul” (Psalm 25:1). These words help remind you to whom you belong. 

It continues with an affirmation of your relationship with God. “O my God, in you I trust” (Psalm 25:2). When you’re unsure about what to do, you can trust God to guide you.

The prayer then asks God for insight. “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me” (Psalm 25:4-5). 

You can ask God for insight into the unique problems you face during your day. There are many ways God can give you the answer. You might get understanding by reading the Bible and seeing scripture in a new light. Or you might hear advice from members of your Christian community that changes your way of thinking. Or God might give you insight directly in your time of prayer. All these are ways that God leads you in truth, as it says in Psalm 25:5.

When you need guidance at work, a quick prayer can connect you to God and open the doorway to God’s truth, helping you to work and lead in the best possible way.

Prayer: God, I lift up my soul to you. In you I trust. Show me your ways today. Amen.

Further Exploration: Read more about Psalm 25 in the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.