Let’s keep this simple. You’re going to work, and you have a lot of work to do, so let’s not pile on spiritual practices—just more stuff for you to do. It’s not wise to add more minutes to a day already overflowing with them. So try three prayers, quick and to the point, and see if they help.
God my Creator, thanks for giving me work to do.
When the project gets twisted up or when you think it will never end, or when the hours seem twice as long as they are, send up a prayer of thanks. You have work, and that’s huge. You are employed. It’s not a perfect job and it may not be a very good job, but all you must deal with is this day, and you are working.
Remind me, Holy Spirit, when my attitude veers off course.
I can fume at others who make life hard or at the job itself, because it’s a drudge or full of stress. But so much of that is outside my control. What I can focus on is myself. Am I in too big a hurry? Am I taking on stress that isn’t even mine? Am I allowing a horrible commute to color the rest of the day? Am I allowing this person to push my buttons? Is my ego working overtime?
Walk with me, Jesus, and help me walk with my coworkers.
Pope Francis has stressed that the Church must go outside itself to where people actually live and that priests and bishops must be out among the people, laboring beside them. When we walk alongside our colleagues—through whatever kind of day we have—we are following Jesus, and Jesus is walking there too.
What has helped you pray and work?
Thanks Vinita. Nice and simple yet profound. Making, living, and moving in an ethically correct way are time-tested acts in doing dignity.
Thank you for these short prayers.
I find that starting my day with the examen helps me set the stage for my workday. Calling on the Spirit, reviewing the past day finding gratitude for what I was able to accomplish and reminding myself where I could have done better and asking God to walk with me today in all that comes my way helps me to plow forward.
Wow. What great timing! Thank you for these short, meaningful prayers. Just what I needed today.
Vinita, this is really good. Faith in action. Thank you!
I wish you could see my desk; how the piles of work clutter block and overwhelm me sometimes.
These prayers are just what I needed today. Thank you!