Work and Pray

Yesterday seemed particularly busy and whenever that happens I tend to get stressed out and then I just try to plow through my day. But as I was getting the kids out of the car to go food shopping a dear friend sent me a text that she was so thankful for me and that she would be praying that I would have peace. What a pick me up! I felt so much better knowing that someone was praying for me specifically. And you know what? I had a day filled with peace. It was still busy and I needed to rush around a bit but all the while I felt just a little bit more relaxed. Speaking of prayers my little daughter surprised my husband and I the other day with a prayer that goes something like this..."Dear Jesus be with Daddy today, please help him have good opportunities, please let him have wisdom and understanding, and keep him safe as he works, amen. So precious.


Work and Pray

"If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work."
- 2 Timothy 2:21

Jesus worked hard, sometimes so hard that He didn't have a chance to eat or sleep. He was exhausted one crowded afternoon and collapsed in a boat as His disciples pushed off from shore. Even the Christians in the book of Acts labored so hard that the church could barely keep up with itself. But one thing is true of both Jesus and those early Christians: They prayed as much, if not more, than they worked. And it was prayer that gave their labors such astonishing success.

I love hard work, too, but I have to be careful that it stays in balance. In other words, I desire to work, work, work like Martha... but I also desire to pray, listen, and meditate like her sister, Mary. It is prayer that energizes every task. And even a crowded schedule can be easily managed if undergirded by praise and intercession.

"Work, work, from early until late. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." (Martin Luther)

Someone has said, "Every Christian needs a half-hour of prayer each day, except when he is busy, then he needs an hour." Today, cover each appointment, each person you will encounter, with prayer. Now purpose to go through the day in measured moments; don't look at the work you have to do as a marathon. No matter how full your appointment book today, you will have energy... if first you pray.

Lord of every labor, thank You for the work that You give me to do. Bless You for sanctifying it and making it "spiritual work" as I do my labor to Your glory. Thank You for the Spirit-inspired energy that You will give to carry me through this busy day!

Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada. Used by permission. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530

Blessings,


Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org