Prayers for Workers: Longing for God
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)
Prayer:
Gracious God, sometimes when I’m at work I can feel so empty inside, so dry, to thirsty. I can be preoccupied with the tasks before me, forgetting your presence. But then, in a moment, I feel my need for you. I am like a deer in the desert, panting for streams of water. I am so thirsty, Lord, for your living water. I long to know your presence even in my usual, unspectacular, demanding work.
I wonder when I can go and meet you. When can I get a break? When can I gather with your people for worship? When can I find refuge in a sacred place?
But then I remember that you are present. You are right here, with me now. I don’t have to go anywhere to be with you. I need only to remember you, to turn toward you, to open my heart to you. I can do this even when my work is tedious, when I’m hassled and harried. Because you are here, my workplace is a sacred place.
Help me, Lord, to meet you, not only in special times and places, but also in ordinary times and ordinary places, like my workplace. Thank you for being there even before I am aware of you. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day:
God is present in your place of work. You can meet God right there.
Explore more at The High Calling archive, hosted by the Theology of Work Project:
Best of Daily Reflections: Riding the Roller Coaster of Genuine Faith
Mark D. Roberts
Senior Strategist
Dr. Mark D. Roberts is a Senior Strategist for Fuller’s Max De Pree Center for Leadership, where he focuses on the spiritual development and thriving of leaders. He is the principal writer of the daily devotional, Life for Leaders,...