Pray Network Forum

I start my work day the same way every day–I pray. And not just any prayer. I pray the same thing every day.

It hasn’t always been like this. Before I would switch on my computer, look at my calendar, check my emails, and do whatever came next. But now I pray to start my day. And I’m so glad I do.

Before I share the prayer, let me mention the difference it’s made for me.

First Allegiance

Beginning work with prayer reminds me of my first allegiance. One can feel pulled in many directions at work. There can be many people to please. You can feel like you’re losing yourself. But when I pray to start the day, it settles my soul. I know who I belong to. I know who I’m serving. It feels right to give my work day to Christ.

Receiving from God

Starting with prayer also positions me to receive from God. I don’t have to solve problems and save the world all by myself. Prayer enlists heavenly resources. I believe I’m a better employee when I ask God for help. It’s kind of foolish not to. I mean, God created the universe, why not ask God for help? That’s leaving a lot of resources at the door.

Full-time Faith

It also unites my faith with my work. How often am I a Christian? 100% of the time. Praying at work is a way for me to remain active in my faith all the time. But if I left Christ at the door, consider this. A 40-hour work week is about 50% of my waking hours. So if I slough off faith at work, that’s 50% of my week.

Starting my work day with prayer connects me with Christ and invigorates me to tackle anything that comes my way. It’s become a habit I can’t work without.

Here’s my daily prayer to start the work day, which takes 1-2 minutes to pray, but reaps great rewards:

"Jesus, thank you for this work day. There are many people without work, and I count it as your favor that you’ve blessed me with this job. Today I want to honor you at my workplace. Give me a clear mind and solid understanding to make wise decisions. Thank you for the people I’ll interact with today. Help me to love them as you love them and see them through your eyes.

“I want to be a good steward of my time. Help me to be productive and remember that if no one else is watching me, you still are. Thank you for the measure of responsibility and influence you’ve given me at work. Help me to use it for your purposes. Thank you for my authorities, who are trusting me with this job. Bless them, grant them guidance, and keep them safe.

“I want to be a peacemaker today, not causing division, strife, or gossip. Help me to walk in peace with others, myself, and you. Instead of becoming anxious about challenges, help me to see them as opportunities to go to you and grow in you. As I work today, may I continue to abide in you. Don’t let my abilities or resources keep me from you because truly apart from you I can do nothing.

Jesus, now to you be all glory and power today and forever, in your name I pray.”

I encourage you to start your work day with prayer. If you want to use this prayer, you can download it now.

I praise you , Creator God for making men and women in Your own image. Give creativity and good ideas to Your children who serve you in the marketplace. Fill them with your Holy Spirit, granting them the skills, abilities and knowledge needed to accomplish their tasks and goals and to glorify You. (Gen 1:27; Ex 21:3) Give them decisionmaking wisdom. God give Christians in the marketplace a spirit of wisdom and revelation so they can know and follow you in their work.( Eph 1:17; Prov 3:5-6; Is 30:21). God you hold the heart of kings in Your hands. We ask that Chrisitans brothers and sisters in the workplace favor with key people. ( Prov 21:1; Dan. 1:9) Grant them favor and may marketplace believers pursue excellence to your Glory. (Excerpts from Strategic Prayers for Marketplace Influencers by Arlyn Lawrence)

5 AM Praying with My Girlfriends' Business (MGB). Chief Girlfriend and visionary Jillian Blackwell of MGB, for the month of August is praying for a girlfriend's business or ministry each day. Since January 2011,daily women consistently join the 5 AM prayer call every morning all over the nation,- New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Atlanta, Detroit, Houston,Florida etc to seek the Lord ,to pray for others, themselves and for their Girlfriends' Business.

Many believers are business owners or have key positions in business. Christian entrepreneurs and key persons in the workplace should have a practical and spiritual influence in the community. In the bible  Lydia was a business woman who was a seller of purple dye and an influential women. While Lydia, who worshipped the one God of the Jews, and a group of others were praying by the riverside, they encountered Paul and Silas. Paul related to them the Gospel. Lydia opened her  ears and heart and became the first Christian convert . She was  baptized and then her household. She became a Christian and   a marketplace influencer. The Bible states that she urged Paul to  abide in her home and opened her home to Christian missionaries. She opened her doors when Paul and Silas  came out of prison for healing a demented girl  to her right mind .Acts 16:16  While serving Christians  it seems that Lydia contined to carry on her business. 


Believers should pray for entrepreneurs. Look at how businesses affect our economy and the workplace. We want God to move powerfully in the lives of business owners who operate in integrity and excellence. For example, MGB prayed for Missionary/Evangelist Minetta Hare -a global woman who empowers women in prayer, training,coaching, global missions and global entrepreneurships. Her ministry is Faith At Work Ministries and one of her businesses is the Hare Group International. Minetta is the founder and visionary of Lydia Circle for Christian Business and Professional Women, Faith At Work Ministries and Men of Valor. She is a global woman that has a hands on ministry for serving woman and men in time of need and as you rise in your ministry or business with love, prayer,wisdom, frankness, compassion and the gift of hospatality. She does missions and business globally and has served in South Africa ( over 12 mission trips), Ghana, Israel, Jamaica and etc.


Minetta believes the marketplace may be one of the most effective places to minister for Jesus Christ today.
Join us in praying for her specific prayer requests and for what the Holy Spirit places in your heart. You may be led to partner with her or to contact her. Minetta's ministry and one of her businesses and the specific prayer requests are as follows:

Faith At Work Ministries
Preparing, Training, Equipping & Mobilizing Laborers & Servant Leaders for
God's Harvest Field, the World
Matthew 28:18-20, Isaiah 61:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:2 describe what we believe God has called us to do --make disciples of all nations by the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ through many means - economic empowerment and business development, trade missions, entrepreneurial training, medical outreaches, building schools and medical facilities, or one-on-one sharing the gospel. The greatest mission field today is the marketplace. Jesus recruited His disciples, who had occupations and professions as fishermen and tax collector from the marketplace. This probably sounds like more than any one ministry can do- and it is! Because of this, God has brought together a team of dedicated men and women to work with us to carry out this vision which is really HIS VISION.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
EXCELLENT HEALTH FOR MINISTRY TEAM
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
MINISTRY PARTNERS (1000)
COMPLETION OF ORPANAGES AND SAFE HOMES FOR CHILDREN
SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS FOR WOMEN
MICRO-ENTERPRISE PROGRAMS/BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
$1,000,000 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR MEDICAL CLINIC IN GHANA, SOUTH AFRICA AND BOTSWANA.

 
Business
HARE GROUP INTERNATIONAL
Hare Group International (HGI) is a leader in international trade and business services providing exclusive export management, marketing and sales, logistics coordination, warehousing, distribution and after-sales customer service.

Whether our clients are looking to quickly penetrate international markets or build brand equity, HGI provides the highest quality customer service with its sound reputation of quality, strength, and professionalism.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Pending Contracts and Deals signed and implementation of agreement going forth.

New Clients and suppliers (12 new companies expanding their businesses into the global marketplace)

Funding and Financing sources ( Financial Favor with World Bank and Ex-Im Bank)

New Investors

Business Plans and Proposal are clear and concise with potential funders and investors.

Integrity with governmental officials in Ghana, South Africa, Botswana and Jamaica.

$1,000,000 Working Capital for new projects.

 by L. Fegins copyright 2011

Fervently pray, Linda Fegins
Former(over 14 yrs) Prayer Coordinator/ Director,Lydia Circle of Christian Professional and Business Women
Writer of an article in the Anthology -"Tali Cumi: Daughters Arise"
Writer of an article in the Anthology -"It's Worth the Struggle- Inspiration for Contemporary Writers"
Christian Dramatist, "Sojourner Truth", "Eve" etc.
Sunday School and Christian Education Teacher
Linda's Report Blog http://instanter.wordpress.com/
Prayer Blog http://ladyofprayer.com