The topic of finances and work can be a constant worry to some because it makes up such a large part of our daily lives. There is stress in not making enough money, fear in losing a job, jealousy in seeing someone else’s accomplishments when you’ve worked just as hard, and weariness in a taxing, underappreciated position. Sometimes you just want to quit and do something else. Other times you need something, anything to support yourself and your family; yet, opportunities seem scarce.
Whether you’re miserable at your current job or are unemployed and searching, your first reaction may be to try and take control of the situation. When we try to control the situation ourselves, we tend to get stressed easily and may begin to feel down when we don’t see the results we want. What we need to do is to take our impatience, our longing for blessing, our desire to support loved ones, and our hurt from the workplace and put it at the feet of the only One who is in control—Jesus, our sovereign Savior and King.
We have a God who can relate, and he is a God who wants to hear from us even in our most trying moments. Our heavenly Father knows everything that’s going on in our lives, but he still wants us to seek him and confide in him. He wants us to trust him that he will hold us close no matter what turns our lives may take. Use this prayer for employment to speak powerful words of belief and hope over your life.
A Prayer for Employment
Dear God,
You know my needs. You know my desire for a job, for work I enjoy doing, for the next step in my career to present itself. I pray that you would guide me as I continue on this job hunting journey. May I focus first on your will for my life, putting your desires and your plan above my own wishes and wants. Open doors to new opportunities that you desire for me, and equip me with the skills, knowledge, and wisdom I need to take steps forward in this process. As I craft my resume, write cover letters, submit my applications, connect with new companies and potential employers, and go on interviews, give me the words to speak and the courage to share who I am and what I can do. Give me confidence that can only come from you, and give me humility too. I trust you, Lord– my life is in your hands. Your will be done. Thank you for being near to me every step of the way and thank you for always providing for my every need. May this all be for your glory.
In your name,
Amen.
5 Bible Verses to Remind You God is Listening
- “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
- “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6)
- “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12)
- “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
Download this free PDF of Prayers for Faith to use in times of uncertainty. Trust in the Lord and He will provide what is best for your soul!
When you have a rough day at work and you just don’t understand how your co-worker or boss could have said something so rude to you, when you feel like you put your best in but you keep getting corrected, and when you did everything that you were asked but the company let you go…remember the gospel. Remember that Jesus died so that you could have life, remember that Jesus said this life would be challenging, and remember that Jesus said he would never leave you. Thank God for his presence in your life, then pray for every person that let you down or hurt you; pray that God would open their minds and their hearts to have the same gospel hope that you do and forgive them.
“Paul wanted people to see Christ more clearly, and he knew that God’s power would accomplish that. The gospel is the power to change people (see Ro 1:16), and when people see Christ more clearly, they are empowered to live and act as God intended.
We can apply Paul’s teaching in three ways. First, let us pray that God’s power may help us see the issues we encounter at work as opportunities for God to show his glory. Second, let us pray that God’s power conforms us to the image of Christ. Third, let us pray that God’s power enables us to extend his love to others. God’s transformative and creative power is upon us, and can significantly inform our work and the way we live our lives.
For various reasons, it is easy to forget to pray about the ups and downs of our work. We may focus on praying for family and friends, or on our own personal growth or needs. But we neglect the issues that arise from or at work. Yet God wants to open our eyes to see how he is able to do more than we can ask or imagine (see Eph 3:20) in every sphere of life. His power changes not only the way we see, but also how we pray. He wants us to express our thanks to him for the work that we do, as well as petition him about every concern we have. And he wants us to realize that prayer can change even our circumstances at work.”