Prayer For Support in Employment Challenged Times
Wednesday July 15, 2020
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
Economies are reopening in some ways around the globe but there are definitely challenges in a number of sectors. Here in Canada our Prime Minister announced this week that there would be an extension until December of the wage subsidy program where the government funds 75% of employee wages as they seek to maintain job stability going forward, particularly until there is a vaccine.
It got me thinking about how we are taught that in whatever work we do, we are first of all working for God and not just our employer, whatever for our work takes today. That includes things we do at home, volunteer work, paid employment, behind the scenes supporting others work – the whole package.
The Bible informs us:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for human masters, s
ince 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
I always feel my heart touched when I read how God comes alongside and makes something good out of the work we offer to Him such as these words in Psalm 90:
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us —
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 90:17
It’s the “present day” form of the ultimate affirmation we look forward to receiving when we stand before God at the end of time and hear Him tell those who have given themselves in loving service to Him “Well done, good and faithful servant.” I long for that, don’t you?. I am looking forward to that, even though I know that my offering of service to God has all sorts of gaps and blemishes.
Let’s pray today to be those who are joyful and faithful in the tasks we believe we are called to do and seek God’s help as we work.
Heavenly Father, I suppose the first thing that comes to mind is gratitude for those who have employment today in this very uncertain time of the pandemic. We bless them to work safely and well. We pray for those who have lost work that You will help them shift quickly and well into other sectors of employment that are meaningful and can help them provide for their needs and the needs of their family.
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to
serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
We are all the unique individuals You have created and we find ourselves in very different seasons of life. Some of us are students who need to work hard to learn the skills necessary to get a good job and form a career going forward. Help us to focus and apply ourselves to what is before us.
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take
pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves
to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.
Galatians 6:4-5
Others of us are busy in our workplace – doing a variety of jobs and in these days of the pandemic, working from a variety of locations. We pray for flexibility and grace as we all work in ways that benefit the community, use the skills and talents with which You have blessed us, and respect the safety of all.
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures
to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.
For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
John 6:27
Others are winding down their careers and wondering what it’s all meant. I pray that You will help us all to see how we can be part of the team by supporting and mentoring the generation coming up. There is such an important role of encouraging and offering advice that experience can bring. Help all of us to be both teachers and learners as we share the gifts that You have given each of us. Help us to offer all that we are and all that we do to You and give You the opportunity to make of it all what You know is filled with life and meaning.
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have
shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
Hebrews 6:10
We pray for those who have declining health and strength and feel like they can’t do so many of the things they used to do. Help all of us to see what You are seeing and to not miss the meaning and the type of work that You are keeping us alive today to do. Make us people of prayer, people of encouragement, people who notice gaps and do those things that make the day easier for others.
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10
There is a work for all of us to do today that will bless others and give us deep satisfaction. We know that. We want to live in that, under Your favour.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3
You have served us well Lord, every day of our life and we now want to simply live and serve in response to that. We commit ourselves and our work into Your hands today. Amen
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