A Prayer about Doing Hard Work Heartily

Gracious Lord,

I remember well the days of four children under six years, 

the chaos, the clutter, the laundry, the diapers, the dishes, 

the drudge of work that had to be done over and over and over again. 

It could be disheartening if not downright depressing. 

Today, I lift up any and all who find their work disheartening or depressing. 

Help us to see beyond the micro-story of the dirty diapers we are changing 

or the droning demands of an impossible boss,

to your meta-story, the story you are writing in us 

through whatever work you have given us. 

Help us to see your kingdom and your mission and the part you have given us to play in it. 

How are you calling us to be an ambassador of Christ in our workplace? 

How are you conforming us to Christ’s image in the patience required to do our work? 

And what reward are you preparing for us even as we do this work (Colossians 3:24)? 

As we see these things, empower us and energize us 

to obey this command, 

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, 

as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” (Colossians 3:23).

Read Colossians 3:22-24; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.