The LORD God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. – Genesis 2:15 NLT
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to do a good job, our vocation should always be viewed as a way to honor and serve God. Work is a gift from God. It is a good thing to love your vocation, but even if you don’t love your job, you can be thankful for the provision of God through it. Work is something that we should do if we are able to. Not only does work provide for our physical needs, but it also enables us to be able to help others. Work should be performed as though you are working for God, because you are. Making a living is a benefit of your work, but the goal is to bring glory to God. Here are 8 prayers to pray for growing your career.
1. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-11 NLT
Lord, grant me the strength and determination to persevere in my career, even in the face of challenges and setbacks. May I not give in to a lack of motivation and laziness. Help me to grow in faith and wisdom as I work towards my goals. Amen.
2. Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
Dear God, bless the work of my hands and the efforts of my mind. May my career be a reflection of Your grace and goodness, and may I use my success to serve others and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. – Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NLT
God, I realize that my whole life is about bringing You glory. I am not the point of this life. It’s about You. Help me to acknowledge You have given me all that I have. Help me not to brood over past mistakes. May I trust that You are always at work in my life for Your glory and my good. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both. – Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT
Heavenly Father, guide me as I navigate my career path. Help me to make wise decisions and to use my talents to glorify Your name throughout the whole day. Bless the work of my hands. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. – Romans 12:1 NLT
Father, use my hands, feet, and eyes for Your glory. I offer my whole being to You. My heart, mind, body, and soul belong to You. Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me. You have supplied my greatest need, which is to be forgiven of my sins. May my work be a pleasing sacrifice in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I might have wisdom and insight as I pursue my career goals. May they be the goals you want me to have. Help me to be patient and persistent and to trust in Your timing and guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunities You have given me to grow in my career. Help me to use these blessings wisely and to always seek Your will in all that I do. Amen.
8. Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. – Mark 2:27 NLT
Lord Jesus, thank You for work and thank You for rest. Thank You that my sufficiency is found in Your completed work on the cross. Thank You that my eternal life is not based on my works, but it is Your work that You have started in me. Thank You for the promise that You will complete what You have started. Amen.
