Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
+++O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.

Psalm 6:2 (NRSV)

Prelude:

If you’ve ever been afraid that you might lose your job, you know how scary this can be. I expect that many Life for Leaders readers are experiencing this kind of fear right now, perhaps even for the first time. When we might be laid off, there is much to fear: embarrassment in front of our colleagues, loss of opportunity, worry about whether we can find a new job or not, and distress over how we’re going to pay our bills.

You may very well be feeling this fear today. But, even if you are not, then you might pray the following prayer, not for yourself, but for others. Perhaps you have a friend who is at risk of losing their job. Or you may think of folks in your church, your city, or in an industry that is struggling. Many people are in this predicament today. You can lift up the following prayer on their behalf.

Prayer:

Be gracious to me, O Lord. Yes, be gracious! I need your help because I’m feeling so anxious, so afraid I’m about to lose my job. I worry about what people will think of me. I worry about how I’m going to pay the bills. I’m fearful that I won’t be able to find a good job, or that this layoff will tarnish my record. I worry about the economy. Fear grips my heart today.

Be gracious to me, O Lord, and help me to trust you. Let me know that my life is in your strong and tender hands. Give me confidence in your goodness and provision.

Be gracious to me, O Lord. When fear has me in its grasp, deliver me. Fill me again with your perfect love that casts out fear. Be my rock, my fortress, my protector.

Be gracious to others, O Lord, to those who share my fear today, and to those who are already out of work. Help them to turn to you, to trust you, and to receive your gracious provision. Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day:

God’s grace is rich beyond measure. God’s grace is there for you in every circumstance. God’s grace is there for you right now.

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Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Commentary on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Bringing Our Enemies and Opponents to God (Psalms 4, 6, 7, 17)