Blessed is the one
     who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
     or sit in the company of mockers,
but whose delight is in the law of the LORD,
     and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
     which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
     whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3

Prayer

Dear Lord, as I think about my work, I want to be like that tree in Psalm 1.

• I want to yield fruit in season.
• I don’t want my leaves to wither.
• I yearn to prosper in whatever I do in my work.

You have made me to be fruitful, Lord. So my yearning is part of my God-given DNA. That I want my life to matter – yes, my work to matter – is a result of how you have created me. Plus, I am your handiwork, created anew in Christ Jesus for good works that you’ve prepared for me (Eph 2:10). I want to do these works in all of life, including the part of life I call “my work.”

Help me, I pray, to be a tree planted by streams of water.

• May my roots grow deeply into your truth and love.
• May I take time each day to meditate on Scripture, so it might inform and inspire my work.

Even as I’m doing my job, focusing on the tasks before me, may your Word be alive within me: guiding, encouraging, nourishing, empowering, and helping me to be fruitful in all things.

To you be all the glory in my work today! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

Meditating on God’s Word will help you to be fruitful in your work.

For Further Reflection:

Read all of Psalm 1, 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.

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. - Ephesians 2:10

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.