LORD, our Lord,
     how majestic is your name in all the earth! . . .
When I consider your heavens,
     the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
     which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
     human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
     and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
     you put everything under their feet:

Psalm 8:1, 3-6

Prayer

Lord, how amazing you are! How awesome in every way! Your majesty exceeds all other power, all other authority, all other glory.

Yet, you have chosen to care about human beings, to care even about me and my life. Even more, you have crowned us with glory and honor, creating us in your own image. You have given us authority over this world, that we might manage it well, helping it to be fruitful and full.

In my work this day, I will use some portion of the authority you have delegated. The work I do is one way for me to obey you, honor you, and worship you. May you be glorified, Lord, in all of my work today, every bit. May a vision of your majesty inspire me to serve you with faithfulness and excellence as I work. To you be all the glory! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

God has given you authority to make a difference in this world through your work.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 8, 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 Genesis:

So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” - Genesis 1:27-28

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. ​