A Prayer For The Business/Occupation

Lord, We Affirm. ..
You are the Lord of the work place as well as the worship place.
All work that meets legitimate needs is Your work to be done in Your way.
Prosperity that comes from our work is a gift from You to be used for Your glory, not our ease.
While You made all things for us to enjoy, true satisfaction comes only from You.

Lord, We Confess. ..
We have at times been proud and arrogant about success, thinking it was because we were smarter, better, or worked harder than others.
We have sometimes placed success above integrity and power above people. This is sin in every instance.
We have often let our love of prosperity quench our courage and compassion.
We have kept You too often at a safe distance, mentally locked in the church building away from our daily affairs. How we could have used Your strength, guidance, and love at times if we had only known You are as real a part of our lives on Monday as You are on Sunday.

Lord, We Ask That. ..
We, as businessmen, would live ethically distinctive lives, both publicly and privately.
We would assume the discipline of craftsmanship, working with all our heart as if You were our boss-because You are.
We would discover what we are each gifted to do, finding the delight and joy of doing what You created us for.
Others would see the reality of Your presence in our lives and be attracted to You.

By William Carr Peel

Prayer for Decision Making by Saint Francis

Most high and glorious God, come and enlighten the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope, and perfect love, that everything I do may be in fulfillment of your holy will. Through Jesus Christ my Lord.

Blessing at the Opening of a Conference

Heavenly Father,
Maker of Heaven and earth,
You have chosen us to be Your people:
help us to give You glory in everything we do.

Bless this conference,
and let it bring many people together.
Help us to meet one another in joy
and to gain many benefits
from being here together.

Father,
we praise Your Name
for ever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer Before Work

O Lord Jesus Christ, Only-begotten
Son of your eternal Father: You have said with your
holy lips: "Without Me, you can do nothing." My Lord, I
embrace your words with my heart and soul, and bow
before your goodness and say: Help me, your unworthy
servant, to complete this, my present undertaking, in
the name of the Father + and of the Son, and the Holy
Spirit. Amen.

Prayer After Work

O Most sweet Jesus, You are the
fulfillment of all blessings. Fill my soul with joy and
gladness and save me. Grant that your Name be
glorified: for not to us, but to your Name are forever
due honor, glory, and adoration. Amen

Prayer after Work

Almighty God,
thank Thee for the job of this day.
May we find gladness in all,
its toil and difficulty,
its pleasure and success,
and even in its failure and sorrow.

We would look always away from ourselves,
and behold the glory and the need of the world
that we may have the will and the strength to bring
the gift of gladness to others;
that with them we stand to bear
the burden and heat of the day
and offer Thee the praise of Your work for the earth and all its people.

Amen.

Blessing at the Opening of a Business Meeting

Father in Heaven,
bless us as we gather today for this meeting.
Guide our minds and hearts
so that we will work for the good of our community,
and help all Your people.
teach us to be generous in our outlook,
courageous in face of difficulty,
and wise in our decisions.

Father,
we praise You,
for You are God for ever and ever.

Amen.