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On the campus of Calvin University
© 2026 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Weekly worship prepares congregations for the work of the week ahead in many different jobs and places. We all carry different burdens throughout the week and are given different tasks. This series of prayers written by Calvin University faculty and staff for people working in various professions can be adapted to fit the different occupations present in your congregation. As a Christian liberal arts institution, Calvin University prepares students not only for their different fields of calling, but to live as agents of renewal and citizens of God’s kingdom in their everyday work and living.
Consider using these prayers over several weeks. They are meant to be prompts and are not all-inclusive. If there are professions in your congregation that are not named here, consider writing your own prayers, acknowledging that we are called to offer all parts of our lives to God.
God of wisdom and compassion,
We pray for those who help people make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, face difficult times, build stronger relationships, and live healthier lives. We thank you for the many ways these workers bring care, wisdom, and hope to others.
Bless counselors, psychologists, social workers, therapists, and others who listen to people who are hurting. Give them patience, kindness, and wisdom. Help them know when to speak, when to listen, and how to offer hope.
Guide teachers, professors, and researchers. Help them seek the truth, do their work honestly, and use what they learn to help others.
Be with human resource workers and others who help businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations care well for their people. May their work lead to fair decisions, healthy workplaces, strong leaders, and better relationships.
Strengthen rehabilitation counselors, behavior specialists, child life specialists, occupational therapists, and others who serve in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation programs, and public health. Help them care for the whole person and support families during times of illness, disability, or stress.
Guide probation and parole officers, correctional treatment specialists, and those who work in courts, prisons, law enforcement, and government. Give them wisdom as they make hard decisions. Help them to protect those who are vulnerable, to seek justice, and to make room for change and restoration.
Encourage school counselors and psychologists, family support workers, youth program leaders, church staff, case managers, and community outreach workers. Help them to notice people who are struggling and to respond with care.
Remember also those whose work happens quietly behind the scenes. Protect all who regularly carry the worries, pain, and stories of others. Give them good coworkers, healthy limits, and time to rest. Remind them that they are not responsible for fixing every problem or carrying every burden.
Above all, help them remember that no person is only a problem, a diagnosis, or a number. May they treat each person as someone made in your image.
By your Spirit, use their daily work to bring healing, understanding, justice, and hope. Through their service, mend what is broken, restore relationships, strengthen communities, and help people to know their worth and live with greater purpose and peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen.
