Work is one of God’s good gifts, not a burden to bear, but a meaningful part of his design for our lives. From the very beginning, he called his people to cultivate, create, and care for the world he made. Though sin has made our labor difficult at times, the dignity of work remains, whether it takes place in a bustling office, a quiet kitchen, a crowded classroom, or a worn-out workshop. This prayer is an invitation to thank God for the work he has entrusted to us, to confess where we have fallen short, and to ask for wisdom, strength, and joy as we labor for his glory and the good of those around us.
A Prayer Based on Proverbs 31:24
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are the master creator, the one who shaped the heavens and the earth by the word of your power. Every tree, every grain of sand, every sunrise, and every season comes by your careful design. And in your goodness, you have made us in your image, not as idle spectators, but as workers, creators, and caretakers in this world you formed. Thank you for the dignity you give to our labor, whether it happens in quiet homes, busy shops, boardrooms, or fields.
Lord, we confess that we often fall short in the work you have placed before us. Too easily we grow weary, distracted, or selfish. We take shortcuts, procrastinate, or overlook the opportunities you have provided. Forgive us for the times we have neglected the gifts and abilities you so kindly gave us. Forgive us when we chase after ease instead of faithfulness. Your word reminds us that “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23, ESV), and we admit that our hearts are not always in our work.
Thank you, Father, for the skills and talents you have entrusted to us. Whether our hands sew garments, write words, balance ledgers, teach children, cook meals, or run businesses, you have given each of us something valuable to offer. Like the Proverbs 31 woman who “makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant” (Proverbs 31:24, ESV), help us to see the fruit of our labor not only as provision for our families, but as a way to serve others and reflect your generous heart.
We pray today for wisdom in our work. Give us clear minds to make good decisions, courage to take new opportunities when they arise, and humility to ask for help when we need it. Bless the work of our hands, Lord, not for our glory, but so that we might provide for those entrusted to us and strengthen the communities where you have placed us. Open doors for those who seek employment or new ventures, and encourage the weary who labor in hidden or thankless roles.
May we remember that you are the one who ultimately provides, and may we find joy and contentment as we follow Jesus in our daily work.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Respond
Please pray a prayer about industry and enterprise.
If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can use the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, and Supplication:
- Adoration: Praise God. Does this topic bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Does this topic bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from this topic inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from this topic inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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