52 Workday Prayers: Psalm 5 - Morning Prayer When You Anticipate a Hard Day at Work

Listen to my words, LORD,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.

Psalm 5:1-3

Prayer

“In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice.” Thank you! I do so need to talk with you at the beginning of this day, Lord. Thank you for listening, for being present to me. Thank you for the blessing of starting this day with you.

There are hard things ahead at work today, things I wish weren’t happening, problems I’d like to avoid, people I’d rather not confront. But faithfulness in my work means I must deal with what lies before me, whether I like it or not.

“Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.” Yes, I need your help today, big time. I need your wisdom, your patience, your protection.

And I need to bow before you as my King, to submit myself to you. May I seek first your kingdom and your righteousness today. May I be open to what you want to teach me, to the ways you will help me grow.

As I walk through this day, Lord, may I know that you are walking with me, that you will never leave me or forsake me. In you I put my trust. Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

As you pray today, the Lord hears your voice.

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 5, 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 passages from Matthew and Deuteronomy:

But seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. – Matthew 6:33

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

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.