After the first morning
hour [of prayer], the Christian’s day until evening belongs to work. “People
go out to their work and to their labor until the evening” (Ps. 104:23). In most cases a community of
Christians living together will separate for the duration of the working hours.
Praying and working are two different things. Prayer should not be hindered by
work, but neither should work be hindered by prayer. Just as it was God’s will
that human beings should work six days and rest and celebrate before the face
of God on the seventh, so it is also God’s will that every day should be marked
for the Christian both by prayer and work. Prayer also requires its own time.
But the longest part of the day belongs to work. The inseparable unity of both
will become clear when work and prayer each receives its own undivided due.
Biblical Wisdom
Whatever your task, put
yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you
know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you
serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23
Questions to Ponder
·
In what ways might
prayer be hindered by work?
·
In what ways might work
be hindered by prayer?
·
How are prayer and work
related to each other?
Psalm Fragment
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands․ O prosper the work
of our hands! Psalm 90:17
Journal Reflections
·
Reflect on the work you
do. Is it satisfying and meaningful? Is it work that reflects your values? Is
it work that reflects your faith? Explain.
·
In what ways does prayer
support you in your work? In what ways does prayer help to shape your work and
the way you do it?
·
Besides the work you do
for income, what other kinds of meaningful work do you do at home or in the
community? How does prayer relate to that work?
Intercessions
Pray for your
co-workers, that they might find real satisfaction and meaning in their work.
Pray for your workplace relationships, particularly those where there may be
conflict and tension. Pray that you and your co-workers would be mutually
supportive and encouraging.
Prayer for Today
Lord, when I go out to
work may I go joyfully and with enthusiasm for the tasks at hand. May my work
be good for me and good for others.
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer,
Copyright © 2007 Augsburg Books, imprint of Augsburg
Fortress.
