Workday Prayers: To the Lover of Justice
Scripture – Psalm 99:4 (NRSV)
Mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
Focus
According to Psalm 99, God is the Mighty King and also a lover of justice. God establishes equity among people. God executes justice and righteousness. Though concepts like justice, equity, and righteousness have vast legal and social implications, they are also basic commitments that we can live out in our workplaces. No matter our particular role or responsibility, we can work to see that all people with whom we work are treated equitably as people created in God’s own image. Moreover, we can model justice and fairness in the way we treat our colleagues, customers, and even competitors.
Prayer
Gracious God, today I praise you as the Mighty King. You are sovereign over all creation. No power on earth or in heaven comes close to matching your strength. Your sovereignty is supreme. You rule over all peoples, all places, all planets. As I lift my praise to you, I also bow before you, acknowledging you as King of kings and Lord of lords.
O God, you are not only mighty but also a lover of justice. You love it when people are treated fairly, when they are given what they are due as beings who bear your image. You are delighted when those who lack earthly power and privilege are treated justly. You call us to create a level playing field in which all people have the opportunity to be fruitful and multiply, to live productive lives as you intended from the beginning.
God who loves justice, help me to seek justice in my own work setting. If I lack organizational authority, at least I can treat all people rightly. I can encourage my colleagues and support those who are hurting. I can pray for my leaders, that they might have a hunger for you, for your justice and righteousness.
To whatever extent I have authority in my workplace, whether I am the supervisor of just one person or hundreds, whether I manage a tiny budget or a giant one, may I lead with your justice in my mind and heart. Help me, Lord, to see where injustice lurks. Show me where systems I take for granted are not fair in your eyes. Help me to understand if our workplace practices need to be reviewed and renewed in light of your truth. May my workplace be filled with righteousness, a place where all people can flourish, where all people can grow, and where all people can use their gifts for good.
Mighty King, lover of justice, may you love what you see in my work today, tomorrow, and each day ahead. To you’ll be all the glory. Amen.
Ponder Throughout the Day
God is a lover of justice.
For Further Reflection
Read all of Psalm 99.
You may also wish to read Isaiah 58.
Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the High Calling archive, hosted by the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: https://www.theologyofwork.org/the-high-calling/daily-reflection/how-can-we-exalt-god-0
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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,...