Enewsletter Prayer Requests

Week One:

Prayer for the Work Day

Lord Jesus, as I enter this workplace, I bring your presence with me.  Help me to speak your peace, your grace, and your perfect order into the atmosphere of this office.  I acknowledge your lordship over all that will be spoken, thought, decided, and accomplished within these walls. 

Lord, I thank you for the gifts you have deposited in me.  I do not take them lightly but commit to using them responsibly and well.  Give me a fresh supply of truth and beauty on which to draw as I do my job.

Anoint my creativity, my ideas, my energy, so that even my smallest task may bring honor to you.  Lord, when I am confused, guide me.  When I am weary, energize me.  When I am burned out, infuse me with the Holy Spirit. 

May the work that I do and the way I do it bring hope, life, and courage to all that come in contact with me today.  And, Lord, even in this day's most stressful moments, may I rest in You. 

In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray, Amen. 


Week Two:

Pray for those Difficult Coworkers

Jesus never said that it would be easy being a Christian.  There are so many people that seem to be against us or a thorn in our sides as we try to be an effective witness to others.  As I consider these people, I think of two things:  I think of the verse 2 Cor. 4:4 - "The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."  As we interact with those around us at work, consider that they are blind to the truths that we hold so dear.  It is not fair to expect the same behavior from someone who has yet to see the gospel of the glory of Christ. 
      
I think of Jesus hanging on the cross, saying the words "Father forgive them, for the know not what they do." (Luke 22:34) If our Master, Jesus, can do that with those that have crucified and abused him without cause, surely, we can extend a portion of that to those that we work with each day.  It is true, in most cases, that "they know not what they do." 

Prayer for those that are a hindrance for you can be a very effective way to neutralize their effect on you and change your heart toward them and what they do. 

Week Three:

• Find a Christian Partner Where You Work  
  
  This is one of the most important things we can do when we decide to make Jesus a part of our everyday lives.  Christian accountability and encouragement are crucial to maintaining our witness to others as we interact daily with coworkers, bosses, and employees.  Only with the gentle eye of another person who shares common goals, values, and beliefs, can we be made aware of those things that we do and say that hinder our example to others.  Decisions can be prayed for, victories can be shared, and mistakes can be accounted for. 
  
  Find a friend who shares the common foundation of Jesus Christ in their life.  Meet with, pray for, and encourage one another as you face the challenge of this bottom line world. 
  
  Week Four:
  
  Use scripture verses as your password
  
  It is true that those things that you keep in the front of your mind will be the things that bear fruit in your actions. It is also true that memorizing scripture is a challenge, but one that is a true benefit when God wants to bring to your mind something from his word.  So… Many of us are required to maintain several passwords for our computer.  Why not combine these two needs and make scripture references your password.  Then, each time you have to type in that password, you run through the verse in your head as you type. 
  
  Benefits: 
  There are almost endless combinations for scripture passwords
  You can use numbers, letters, and symbols, which are more secured than words, dates, or sayings. 
  You keep scripture in the forefront of your mind
  They are easy to remember
  You can choose scriptures that address something you are working on in your life. 
  Sample:  You realize that one thing you want to work on is not getting angry during high-pressure meetings at work.  It hurts your witness. 
  Use: EPH$426 as your password and think "Ephesians 4:26 - In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry
  
  Week Five:
  
  Tape a Prayer Card to Your Computer Screen
  
  There have been many times I have told someone "I'll pray for you" and forget all about it until I see them again.  Why not keep those with prayer needs before your eyes with a card taped to the computer? Print out this little prayer guideline and tape it to your computer:
  
  Pray WISE-ly   
  
  W- That the Words I use may honor God.
  
  I - I invest in others sincerely.
  
  S- That I am a Servant of others before myself.
  
  E- The Example that I am in the workplace.
  
  
  This card can help remind us each day to pray for our Words, the Interest we show in others, to be a Servant, and for our Example as we interact with others.