Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 20:7

Prayer

Gracious God, sometimes its easier to trust in things I can see, things I can touch, things I can control. I don’t trust in chariots and horses, but I do put my confidence in technology, in careful planning, and in hard work. I trust the people in my life to be faithful and diligent, to follow through on their commitments.

Such acts of trust are not necessarily wrong, but they are wrong when they take the place of my trust in you. I confess that there are times – too many of them – when I rely on everything else but you. For too often, I lean mainly on myself. I think that if I just work hard enough, try hard enough, pray hard enough, and worry hard enough, that things will work out. Forgive me, Lord, for my misplaced trust.

Today I renew my trust in you, O God. I remember your trustworthiness in the past, your goodness piled up in my life, your mercy when I fail, your love that never let’s me go. Yes, I trust you, Lord: with my work and my family, with my projects and my health, with my hopes and my fears, my longings and my losses. Thank you for being such a trustworthy God! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

You can trust in God because God is completely trustworthy.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 20, 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 reflect on the following passage from Proverbs:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
     and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
     and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6

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.