Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
     I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
     your rod and your staff—
     they comfort me.

Psalm 23:4

Prelude

We began 52 Workday Prayers with Psalm 23, focusing on how that psalm honors work by showing God as doing the work of a shepherd. We end this volume by returning to Psalm 23, focusing on a wonderful truth embedded in this psalm.

Prayer

Gracious God, you are my good shepherd. You make sure I have all I need to live. You give me the gift of rest. You protect me from danger.

And you are with me. You are always with me! In all of life you are with me, including my working life.

You are with me when I walk through the dark valleys of discouragement, despair, and depression. You are with me when I’m afraid or exhausted. You are with me when I worry about the future. And you are with me when things are going well and I’m flourishing in my work. You are with me . . . always!

How I thank you for your faithful presence! It’s so reassuring to know that you are there, Lord. It’s so comforting to know that I can talk you always, no matter what I’m going through.

Help me, I pray, to be more aware of your presence as I work. May I look to you for wisdom and creativity. May I lean on you for strength and resilience. May I seek to honor you in everything I do.

To you be all the glory! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

No matter what, God is with you.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 50, paying attention to what the Spirit of God is stirring up in your heart, especially in relationship to your work. Talk with God about what you are thinking and feeling.

You might also wish to reflect on these passages from Isaiah and Matthew:

But now thus says the LORD,
     he who created you, O Jacob,
     he who formed you, O Israel:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
     I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
     and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
     and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
     the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. - Isaiah 43:1-3

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:18-20

This prayer is part of a collection: 52 Workday Prayers: Learn from the Psalms How to Pray through Your Work. To purchase this devotional and small group guide, visit the De Pree Center store.