5 Uplifting Prayers and Verses for Difficult Seasons at Work
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Work is a necessary part of life, but as a result of the Fall, for many people it has become a thing which burdens, rather than something which fulfills. As a result of sin, God declared to Adam, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19).
Even though not as many people are directly laboring in fields, the curse still applies to work. It can be physically exhausting, mentally taxing, or involve other people who make it hard. Some people experience persecution because of their faith, or just have jobs that are difficult.
There can also be seasons of particular struggle at work. During those seasons, God wants His people to reach out to Him, so He can supply them with the strength, patience, and wisdom to persevere, navigate, and make critical decisions.
Bible Verses to Encourage Us in Our Work
One aspect of life the Bible reinforces over and over again is the necessity of work. While many people may come along and try to sell the idea that people can pursue leisure and not work, that isn’t true. As long as people live, they will engage in work.
Bible verses about work include, but are not limited to:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15).
“Six days you shall do your work, but on the seventh day you shall rest; that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your servant woman, and the alien, may be refreshed” (Exodus 23:12).
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Ephesians 4:28).
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
These verses lay the groundwork for why Christians should accept that work will come in their lives. They also display the mentality we should bring into seasons of difficulty at work.
The verse in Genesis reminds believers that even before the Fall, God intended man to labor – it just wouldn’t have come with suffering. In Exodus, God sets forth the law requiring both work and rest as a principle. In Ephesians, Paul encourages new converts to embrace work, rather than using sin as a means of survival. To the church in Colossae, he outlined the principle that Christians ultimately work to glorify God for eternal reward, not just for rewards in this world. Finally, in the second letter to Thessalonica, Paul reiterates the importance of labor in order to survive.
If a Christian can work, they should. They should do it joyfully, and expect their ultimate reward in Heaven, not necessarily in this life.
There are times though, where work is such a difficult part of someone’s life that extra strength, encouragement, and wisdom are needed for someone to get through their work situation. That’s where prayer is important. Going to God for support and guidance from the Holy Spirit is crucial to the Christian walk, including with work life.
Let’s pray together.
A Prayer for Seasons with a Difficult Boss or Supervisor
Holy Father,
Thank you for being a loving Father who cares for the difficulties Your children experience. Lord, work is a part of life, as per Your design and intention. But while I’m working right now, I am dealing with a supervisor who is hard, uncaring, and sometimes it even feels like they are out to get me. If I push back, I could lose my job, but this situation can’t continue because it is causing so much stress.
Help me to navigate this situation. Should I start looking for another job? Is there a way to talk to my supervisor or their boss to get this issue resolved? Lord, I also pray that You would bless them, to change their hearts. If they don’t know You as their Savior, grant me a chance to share the gospel with them. I trust You with this situation Lord, and that You will carry me through this storm.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
A Prayer for When Work Is Interfering with Home Life
Holy Father,
Thank you for creating the Sabbath, for creating family, and for seeking out a relationship with me. Relationships are important. Sabbaths are important. But right now, I’m having a hard time getting in much of either – time to invest in relationships or a day of rest.
Work is so stressful right now. I have too much to do, too many hours to get my job done appropriately, and not enough time for anything restorative and restful. I’m starting to burn out and it is affecting my relationships.
Lord, I ask that you would help me figure out what to do with work so I have more rest and time for loved ones. I also ask that You give strength and energy to me and my loved ones to get through in the meantime.
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen.
A Prayer for When You’ve Been Asked to Do Something against Your Conscience
Holy Father,
I am coming to You in a dire situation. Your Word gives us the Law by which we must live if we are saved. “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’” (Mark 12:30-31).
I need my job to pay my bills and survive. Yet I am being asked to do something which violates Your law, and possibly earthly law as well. I know it is wrong, but I also know that there are real consequences if I say no. Give me the spiritual and moral strength to say no, and to be willing to walk away if needed.
Lord if I am subject to consequences like termination, please be with me, protect me, and guide me through a season of darkness, sadness, and shadow. I know that You always provide for Your sheep, and I’m trusting You to help me through this season, even if it is hard. Lord, I pray that somehow the person who asked me to do this would be convicted in their conscience. And even better, I ask that they would apologize. Help me to forgive them.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray,
Amen.
A Prayer for Stressful Seasons
Holy Father,
Thank you for being the Shepherd who leads Your sheep by still waters. Thank you for being there to give peace when we need it. Lord, right now I am going through a crazy time at work. Lots of deadlines. Too many calls. Unexpected complications. I need Your help right now.
I need an extra dose of the Holy Spirit’s power so I don’t get too tired and make mistakes. I also know that stress like this can be detrimental to my physical health, so I pray for energy, well-being, and protection from illness. I know this season is temporary, but I need Your help to get through it.
In Jesus’ Name, I pray,
Amen.
A Prayer for Overall Difficulties at Work
Holy Father,
Thank you for my job. Thank you for the ability to work, to make a living, and to take care of myself and my family. Lord, you know the difficulties at my job that stress me out and make my day hard. Help me to glorify You and to conduct myself in a way that is good and appropriate.
Give me opportunities to think, to rest, and to work in balance. Carry me through the difficulties of work and keep my eyes on You. Thank you for being present for me, available at all times, even at work.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
Part of how God shows His love is by being there for people when they need Him most, empowering them through difficult seasons. Because work is a necessary part of life, He is always going to be there for those who call on His name for help with labor, supporting them and carrying them through.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wasan Tita
Bethany Verrett is a freelance writer who uses her passion for God, reading, and writing to glorify God. She and her husband have lived all over the country serving their Lord and Savior in ministry. She has a blog on graceandgrowing.com.