Prayers for your work, and the work of others

It's great to pray about our work, but sometimes we need a bit of direction. Here we've collected a number of prayers written by others to help you do just that - pray for your work, and the work of others.

A prayer from the reformer John Calvin

My good God, Father, and Saviour, grant me aid by your Holy Spirit to now work fruitfully in my vocation, which is from you, all in order to love you and the people around me rather than for my own gain and glory. Give me wisdom, judgement and prudence, and freedom from my besetting sins. Bring me under the rule of true humanity. Let me accept with patience whatever amount of fruitfulness or difficulty in my work that you give me this day. And in all I do, help me to rest always in my Lord Jesus Christ and in his grace alone for my salvation and life. Hear me, merciful Father, by our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen

Prayers from The Book of Common Prayer

For Agriculture

Almighty God, we thank you for making the earth fruitful, so that it might produce what is needed for life: Bless those who work in the fields; give us seasonable weather; and grant that we may all share the fruits for the earth, rejoicing in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Unemployed

Heavenly Father, we remember before you those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work. Guide the people of this land so to use our public and private wealth that all may find suitable and fulfilling employment, and receive just payment for their labour; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For the Conservation of Natural Resources

Almighty God, in giving us dominion over things on earth, you made us fellow workers in your creation: Give us wisdom and reverence so to use the resources of nature, that no one may suffer from our abuse of them, and that generations yet to come may continue to praise you for your bounty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Power Lines: Celtic prayers about work

O Lord, I remember before thee tonight all the workers of the world
Workers with hand or brain
Workers in cities or in fields
Employers and employees
Those who command and those who obey
Those whose work is dangerous
Those whose work is monotonous or mean
Those who can find no work to do
Those whose work is in the service of the poor or the healing of the sick
Or the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ, at home or in foreign places
Amen

Bobby GIles, The Gospel Coalition

God of shop and marketplace,
Of farm and studio,
Factory and shipping lane,
Of school and busy home:
Bless the produce of our hands.
Redeem our work for Kingdom use.
By Your grace, our efforts stand,
All offered up to You.

There in Eden, You proclaimed
That we should work the earth -
Stewards over all we named,
Delighting in their worth.
Through our fall we brought decay,
Lost access to Jehovah’s rest.
Through the cross, we rest in faith
And all our labor’s blessed.

In Your image we are made:
Creative, like You are,
Forming goods for use and trade
Just like You formed the stars.
Send us out in power and skill
To worship through each task assigned.
By Your Spirit we fulfill
The holy, grand design.
Amen

Want to learn more about praying at work? Join a Prayer group, online or face-to-face options are available

Get Prayer Support