Prayer For A Great Day At Work
In this morning light
I'm thinking about my daily work.
I sometimes wonder
How I came to have my present job,
Or why I earn my living
In my particular way.
Should I be doing something else with my life?
Should I be looking for something new,
Something better, or ought I be content,
Grateful for employment
When many have no work at all?
Lord of the morning,
During this working day, guide me.
Lord, over the years I have been caught up in the race
For something better.
Perhaps this is the time to stop.
To stop racing ahead, to take stock.
If I have learned my trade,
If I am competent in my work
Perhaps I should stay where I am
And try to improve what I do.
Lord, is that common sense
Or simply cowardice?
Lord, throughout the hours of the day
Help me to appreciate
The work I have been given to do.
If I have talents,
Help me to use them.
Let me not waste my gifts by neglecting them
Or through craving the gifts of others.
Help me to be courageous
In decisions about the use of my time and energy
At work and at home.
Lord of the morning, help me.
In this hour
Somewhere in the world
People will be meeting on buses and trains
In shops, factories and offices.
Some will meet for only a few fleeting moments,
Others will spend most of the day together.
I may meet people who will cheer me,
Make me smile or maybe annoy me.
Lord of the morning, help me.
In the hours ahead
I may bring the warmth of friendship to some,
Others I may irritate and anger.
Lord, life is too short for bitterness,
For quarrelling, or for hurtful gossip.
Yet sometimes it is hard to think kindly
About those I share my day with.
Lord of life, help me.
Through the hours of this day
I may say things that I regret,
Things that will hurt or cause bitterness,
Yet in doing this
I hurt myself,
Spoil my own day.
Sometimes I am my own worst enemy
In the way I think of people,
Talk to people
Work with people
Lord of life, help me.
Lord of life throughout the day
Take over my mind,
My words,
My actions,
My life.
God be in my head
And in my understanding;
God be in my eyes,
And in my looking.
God be in my mouth
And in my speaking;
God be in my heart
And in my thinking;
God be at my end,
And at my departing. Amen.
Peace, Lord, Peace,
To all whom I meet
To all in the street,
Peace, Lord, Peace.
To all working here
To all who are dear,
Peace, Lord, Peace.
To all who need pity
To all in this city
Peace, Lord, Peace.
To all facing defeat
Who feel incomplete
Peace, Lord, Peace.
To all unemployed
Whose hope is destroyed
Peace, Lord, Peace.
I believe, O God of all gods,
that you are present
that we dwell in you
and in your Presence there is Peace.
I believe, O God of all gods,
that you are present,
that this day begins in you
and in your Presence there is Peace.
I believe, O God of all gods,
that you are present,
that this journey is in you
and in your Presence there is Peace.
I believe, O God of all gods,
that you are present
that this work place is in you
and in your Presence there is Peace.
I believe, O God of all gods,
that you are present
that we dwell in you
and in your Presence there is Peace.
Dear Father,
I give you this day, may your spirit be at work in me. Clear the mix of dreams and thoughts from my mind and help me to embrace everything that you have for me today. I give you the mental and physical tiredness I can feel and ask for your life to flow though me. May your hope stir in those who are close to me and bring joy into their hearts. May your love cause me to find new energy, ideas and solutions throughout the day. And may your truth allow me to stay on track and walk confidently in all that I do.
Father, I give you this day.
Amen.
Light gently arises
The morning beckons
This is your day,
A gift.
A day that you have made.
I listen to the birds singing
And I leave behind my slumber
To awake.
I awake with you Lord.
We arise together.
May this working day
Be full of wonder,
Wonder at the morning
That carries me, through each moment
Filled with thanks and praise.
Lord, You walk beside me
You are always there.
Come be in my waking
Go with me everywhere.
Lord, Your hand will lead me
Your light will show the way.
Come be in my thinking
Be my guide today.
May you find a gift this morning
Laid out for you in the sky.
A beautiful reminder
That sets your hope in flight.
May you notice birds above you
That soar and ride the winds.
And know that as you lift your prayer
God lifts your heart and sings.
May you hear the sweet birds chirping
May you smell the fresh cool air
And know that God's love is all around
Holding you so dear.
May this day be like a present
That fills your heart with awe
And takes your world from grey to gold
And soothes your very soul.