3. Work – Everyday Christian Devotionals

I love this prayer that St. Francis of Assisi penned almost a thousand years ago that is still relevant for today:

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand, to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

As we continue our six-part devotional series, today we focus on “Work.”

God did not create us to be passive creatures.  Since the beginning, He has given us a purpose and task to be stewards over His creation.  We take care of our families; we take care of finances; we take care of other people’s needs.  As Christians, we understand that our true vocation is not found in the identity of a business card or social status, but rather that we are called to be ambassadors of Christ… we are given the gift of reconciliation and to represent the love and goodness of God in all that we do.

The apostle, Paul, wrote this:

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23, 24 NIV)

As we work, it is good to know that God is using us as his hands and feet to bring goodness, righteousness, and justice to the world around us–even in the small things such as listening to others, responding to challenges with kindness, giving a voice to those who are often shoved to the side, or even praying for your clients.  

Let’s pray this prayer before we start our work day:

Loving God, here are my hands. 

What do you want me to create or build today? 

Who do you want me to serve?  

What activities should I keep my hands away from?

May these small hands help build your kingdom.

Loving God, here is my voice.  

I commit to only speak words of life today. Words that build up and not tear down.  

Always speaking the truth, and always speaking it in Love.  

Please help me to be a voice for the voiceless today.

Please show me when to stay quiet. 

O God, may my voice make this world more like You’ve made it to be.

Loving God, here is my heart.

You know the deepest longings of my heart. I humbly hold them out before You.

Grace and peace.