Prayers About Work

Find 49 prayers about Work to guide, comfort, and strengthen your faith.

Featured Prayer

Prayer Before Work

Direct, we beseech You, O Lord, our actions by Your holy inspirations, and carry them on by Your gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with You, and through You be happily ended. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Traditional Catholic prayer before work (Actiones Nostras)

Traditional

Prayer and Work

Pray and work. To work is to pray. Let all things be done in moderation. In all things, God may be glorified.

St. Benedict of Nursia (Rule of St. Benedict)

Saint

Let the Peace of Christ Rule

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:15-16 (BSB)

Biblical

Teach Us to Number Our Days

Lord, You have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. Teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish for us the work of our hands; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Psalm 90:1-2, 12, 14, 17 (BSB)

Biblical

Suscipe of St. Ignatius

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To You, Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours; do with it what You will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, that is enough for me.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises

Saint

Christ Has No Body

Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which He walks to do good. Yours are the hands with which He blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are His body. Christ has no body now but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks with compassion on this world. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.

Attributed to St. Teresa of Avila

Saint

Prayer for Generosity

Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward, save that of knowing that I do Your will.

Attributed to St. Ignatius of Loyola (d. 1556)

Saint

Prayer for Faithful Stewardship

Lord of all good gifts, You are the source of everything I have. Teach me to be a faithful steward of the resources You have entrusted to me. Give me wisdom in spending, generosity in giving, and contentment in all circumstances. Help me to trust that You will provide for my needs, and free me from the anxiety that comes from placing my security in wealth rather than in You. Let me hold loosely to earthly treasures and lay up treasures in heaven.

Traditional stewardship prayer

Traditional

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat, for He grants sleep to those He loves. Children are indeed a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.

Psalm 127 (BSB)

Biblical

I Can Do All Things Through Christ

I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13 (BSB)

Biblical

Daily Offering of St. Ignatius

Lord Jesus Christ, take all my freedom, my memory, my understanding, and my will. All that I have and cherish You have given me. I surrender it all to be guided by Your will. Your grace and Your love are wealth enough for me. Give me these, Lord Jesus, and I ask for nothing more.

St. Ignatius of Loyola, Spiritual Exercises (d. 1556)

Saint

Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas Before Study

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, origin of all being, graciously let a ray of Your light penetrate the darkness of my understanding. Take from me the double darkness in which I have been born, an obscurity of sin and ignorance. Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally. Grant me the talent of being exact in my explanations and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm. Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion. I ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Saint

A Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. She extends her hands to the poor and reaches out her arms to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:10-12, 20, 25-26, 30 (BSB)

Biblical

Offer Your Bodies as Living Sacrifices

Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

Romans 12:1-2 (BSB)

Biblical

Prayer of Jabez

Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! May Your hand be with me and keep me from harm, so that I will be free from pain.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (BSB)

Biblical

Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom

O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give Your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?

1 Kings 3:7-9 (BSB)

Biblical

Wesley's Covenant Prayer

I am no longer my own, but Thine. Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by Thee or laid aside for Thee, exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am Thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.

John Wesley's Covenant Service (1755, public domain)

Traditional

Radiating Christ

Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that my life may only be a radiance of Yours. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Your presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I will begin to shine as You shine, so to shine as to be a light to others.

Attributed to Blessed John Henry Newman (d. 1890, public domain)

Saint

Prayer for Daily Provision

So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles strive after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.

Matthew 6:31-33 (BSB)

Biblical

Morning Offering

O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, for the salvation of souls, the reparation of sins, the reunion of all Christians, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father this month. Amen.

Traditional Catholic prayer

Traditional

Prayer of Daniel for Wisdom

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. I give You thanks and praise, O God of my fathers, for You have given me wisdom and power.

Daniel 2:20-23 (BSB)

Biblical

What Does the Lord Require?

He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

Micah 6:8 (BSB)

Biblical

Luther's Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger. I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther's Small Catechism (1529, public domain)

Traditional

Morning Prayer of St. Ambrose

O Lord, who has mercy upon all, take away from me my sins, and mercifully kindle in me the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Take away from me the heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, a heart to love and adore You, a heart to delight in You, to follow and to enjoy You, for Christ's sake. Amen.

St. Ambrose of Milan (d. 397)

Church Father

Prayer for Daily Life

O Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You alone know what I need. You love me more than I know how to love myself. Help me to see my real needs which are concealed from me. I do not dare to ask either for a cross or for consolation. I only stand before You with my heart open. Visit and help me, for Your great mercy's sake. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. I adore all Your purposes without knowing them. I am silent. I offer myself to You. I yield to You. I would have no other desire than to accomplish Your will. Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself in me.

Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow (d. 1867)

Saint

Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (BSB)

Biblical

Prayer for Boldness

Now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.

Acts 4:29-30 (BSB)

Biblical

Collect for Grace

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day: Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer (1662, public domain)

Traditional

Prayer of St. Francis de Sales

Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope that as they arise, God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis de Sales (d. 1622)

Saint

Traditional Student's Prayer

Lord of all knowledge and truth, as I prepare for this examination, calm my anxious heart and clear my mind. Help me to recall what I have learned and to express my thoughts clearly. Grant me focus, wisdom, and a peaceful spirit. Whatever the outcome, help me to trust in Your plan for my life and to know that my worth is not measured by a grade, but by Your unfailing love for me. Amen.

Traditional student prayer

Traditional

Be Strong and Courageous

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9 (BSB)

Biblical

Solomon's Prayer at Temple Dedication

O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth below, keeping Your covenant of loving devotion with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. Now, O Lord, God of Israel, please keep for Your servant David my father the promise You made to him when You said, 'You shall never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons take care to walk before Me as you have done.'

1 Kings 8:23, 25 (BSB)

Biblical

Let Us Run with Endurance

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 (BSB)

Biblical

God Has Not Given Us a Spirit of Fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Rather, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

2 Timothy 1:7-9 (BSB)

Biblical

Go and Make Disciples of All Nations

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:18-20 (BSB)

Biblical

If Any of You Lacks Wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 1:5-6 (BSB)

Biblical

May the Lord Answer You in the Day of Trouble

May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices. May He give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy at your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions.

Psalm 20:1-5 (BSB)

Biblical

Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the Lord

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the fruit of the labor of your hands, you will be blessed and prosperous. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. In this way indeed shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. May the Lord bless you from Zion, that you may see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Psalm 128 (BSB)

Biblical

Be Strong and Courageous, Do Not Be Afraid

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 (BSB)

Biblical

Now May the God of Peace

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20-21 (BSB)

Biblical

Prayer for Illumination

O Lord, heavenly Father, in whom is the fullness of light and wisdom, enlighten our minds by Your Holy Spirit, and give us grace to receive Your Word with reverence and humility, without which no one can understand Your truth. For Christ's sake. Amen.

John Calvin (16th century, public domain)

Traditional

Prayer of St. John Bosco for Young People

O Lord Jesus Christ, who when on earth did love to be surrounded by young people, look with favor upon the youth of our time. Protect them from the dangers that beset them. Give them a love of purity, patience in suffering, and perseverance in good works. Fill their hearts with zeal for Your service and for the welfare of their neighbor. Guide them in the way of peace and lead them safely to their eternal home. Through Your mercy, O Lord. Amen.

Based on St. John Bosco (d. 1888, public domain)

Saint

For I Know the Plans I Have for You

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (BSB)

Biblical

Come to Me, All Who Are Weary

Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

Matthew 11:28-30 (BSB)

Biblical

The Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr (public domain)

Traditional

Do Not Be Anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (BSB)

Biblical

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13 (BSB)

Biblical

The Lord Is My Shepherd

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (BSB)

Biblical

Have Mercy on Me, O God

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence; take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.

Psalm 51:1-4, 10-12 (BSB)

Biblical