1855 Knollcrest Circle SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4402 USA
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.
Leader: Good and loving God, thank you for those you have called to serve your church. Let your favor be upon them for the work you have called them to do. May they delight in serving you and experience the joy that comes from walking faithfully with you.
People: Lord, establish the work of their hands, and fill them with joy in their calling.
Leader: As they lead your people, give them humble hearts, sound judgment, and ears to hear the voice of your Spirit.
People: Lord, grant them wisdom and discernment.
Leader: Help them to work with all their hearts for you and not for the applause or approval of people. May their greatest desire be to please you alone.
People: Lord, keep their hearts centered on you.
Leader: Lift up those who are weary, discouraged, burdened, or close to giving up. Raise up people who will pray for them, speak life to them, and support them with gratitude and love.
People: Lord, surround them with encouragement. When work is difficult, renew their strength.
Leader: Let their service overflow from their communion with you so that they serve others with the love of Christ. Free them from carrying burdens you have not asked them to bear.
People: Lord, remind them that the church belongs to Christ and that the people they serve belong to you.
Leader: Especially remember those serving in bivocational ministry and those facing financial hardship. Provide for every need, spoken or unspoken.
People: Lord, supply all that they need according to your riches in glory, and let them lack no good thing.
Leader: Remind them that they are first your children, whom you love, before they are your servants. Help them to receive the gift of rest without guilt. Guard their minds, bodies, and souls from exhaustion, and restore them in your presence.
People: Lord, help them to enjoy you and your presence, and protect their Sabbath rest.
All: For all who have committed themselves to ministry and serve you faithfully, may the work of their hands bear lasting fruit for your glory, and may they look forward to the day they hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
In the name of Jesus we pray.
Amen.
