Workday Prayers: For Joy and Blessing When Work is Painful

By Mark D. Roberts

May 26, 2023

Scripture — Psalm 126:5-6 (NRSV)

May those who sow in tears
    reap with shouts of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
    bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
    carrying their sheaves.

Focus

Work is often hard—and not just hard, but painful. Yet in our struggles at work, we pray for God’s blessing. We look forward to the joy that is coming even in the midst of our pain.

Prelude

Several years ago I was giving some lectures on faith and work to a group of pastors who served churches full of folks who did hard, manual labor. When I asked these pastors what came to mind when they thought about work, one answered immediately: “Suffering. When my people think about work, they think of suffering.”

The writer of Psalm 126 would tend to agree with this pastor. The psalmist talks about “those who sow in tears” (126:5) and who “go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing” (126:6). We are reminded that, for many, work is not just hard. It can be painful, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Yet Psalm 126 looks forward to the joy that comes when our work is fruitful. Whereas we sow with tears, we reap “with shouts of joy” (126:5). When our work is difficult, we ask the Lord to bless what we’re doing and, in time, to give us the joy of fruitfulness and accomplishment.

Pray

Gracious God, I come before you today with a heavy heart, but also with hope. My heart is heavy because my work is hard. And not just hard, but painful. My body aches. My mind feels exhausted. I am not getting the support from others that I deserve. But I do get their criticisms. I feel tired, Lord, worn out in body and soul. I am sowing, yes, but in tears.

I ask that you bless the work I’m doing. May it be fruitful. I look forward to the time when I can rejoice over what my work has accomplished.

In the meanwhile, Lord, I ask for your help. Help me to sense your presence as I work. Help me to know with confidence that you are right here with me. Give me the freedom to share my struggles with you, my pain and heartache. As I do, I ask for your comfort.

One day, Lord, the pains of this age will pass away. In that time we will rejoice in you, not just for a moment, but for eternity. As I think about that day, rekindle my hope. And may my hope for your future energize me for my work today. May I do it all for you, for your purposes and glory. Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

When your work is painful, know that God is with you. In time, your work will lead to joyful celebration.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 126.

Songwriter Isaac Wardell, of Bifrost Arts and The Porter’s Gate, has put the words of Psalm 126 to music in a moving way. You can listen to it here.

Banner image by Melissa Askew on Unsplash.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the High Calling archive, hosted by the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Streams in the Desert.


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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,...

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