Work stress has become a common, nearly accepted way of life for many Americans. Men and women seeking to do their jobs well have become slaves to their emails and often bring home loads of work to get through. In this competitive and even harsh environment, what do you pray for? Do you pray that it stops? Do you pray that you’ll find something new? Do you pray for a nicer boss or less hours? What about your husband’s work? How do you pray over him and his stresses as well?
However The Lord leads you, the important thing is to pray continually by lifting up all worries and cares to God. But how do you start if you don’t know where God is leading you yet?
I’ve gathered 10 scriptures that I think will encourage your prayer life in this area and spur you on to see The Lord’s will revealed in your working life, and in that of your husbands.
When you need rest:
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
When you feel unsatisfied:
The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail. (Isaiah 58:11)
When you are under fire:
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (Psalm 91:4)
When you are anxious:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
When you feel defeated:
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
When you feel weak:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)
When you are waiting:
I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:13-14)
When you need perseverance:
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12: 1b-3)
When you are unsure about the future:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
When you are in need of guidance:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)