I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:
Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you. It is yours. I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there. Speak to me during these moments. I commit them and myself to you.”
II. Prayer of Confession:
“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you. I confess my sin(s) of ______________. Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)
III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________. Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”
IV. Scripture Reflection
Read: Proverbs Chapter 25
Reflect:
Proverbs 25:13
13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time
is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;
he refreshes the spirit of his master.
Imagine working in the field on a hot summer day. You’re hot, dusty, and parched with thirst. Then a friend walks up, and in their hands is a glass filled with shaved ice and a pitcher of water. They smile at you and pour the water from the pitcher into the glass. The ice pops and gently crackles as the water fills the glass. You take the glass, drink, and are refreshed by its coolness. No doubt, you’ve experienced being refreshed by a cold drink on a hot day; you understand how good that can feel!
This proverb says having a trustworthy employee is just as refreshing. Someone who is prompt, reliable, truthful, and hardworking. Such people are invaluable because they help take some of the pressure off their employers.
As followers of Christ, we’re called to have a strong work ethic. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23 NLT) “Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” (Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT) Paul repeatedly reminds us that we’re to be known as hard workers!
Working for the Lord gives us incredible freedom because now we’re not just working for a paycheck, but for His glory! We can use the freedom we now have to look around and see what God is doing and join Him in His work. It also allows us to be a blessing to those around us. A blessing is a beautiful thing! It’s something God wants us to share.
Respond:
Be a blessing to those around you today, especially to your employer! Find out what your boss needs from you to make their job easier, and then do it.
V. Prayer for others:
Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others.
VI. Prayer of commitment:
“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.” (Luke 10:27)
This Week’s Scripture Memory:
Proverbs 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.