I will not accept a bull from your house,
     or goats from your folds.
For every wild animal of the forest is mine,
     the cattle on a thousand hills. . . .
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
     and pay your vows to the Most High.

Psalm 50:9-10, 14

Prayer

Gracious God, thank you for blessing me with the calling to share in your work in the world. How grateful I am to be able to make things that matter to you, to exercise the body and mind you have given me for good.

Yet, O God, I recognize that you don’t need me because you are in any way dependent on my effort. The whole world belongs to you and everything in it. You could do in an instant what takes me hours, or days, or years. But you have chosen to include me, to value my work, to take delight in what I offer to you.

So I offer my work to you, not as if you needed it, but as a young child offers a gift to a parent. What I do, even this day, I give to you as my sacrifice of thanksgiving, acknowledging it as the fruit of your grace.

Thank you, dear Lord. Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

God has chosen to value your work. Do it all for his glory.

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 reflect on this passage from Ephesians:

Let thieves no longer steal. Rather, let them labor, working with their hands what is good, in order that they might have something to share with those in need. – Ephesians 4:28 (MDR translation)

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.