Word@Work Eph35 - Ephesians 3:16-17a
Published: Thu, 11/13/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
HUMAN RESOURCES
Ephesians 3:16-17a I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (NIV)
The business world sees its resources as money coming into the bank from confirmed orders, repeat business and successful marketing campaigns. And stockholdings are generated on confidence in the company's performance in the future. Of course the most important resources are quality raw materials, sound intellectual property and good staff. However Christians have a personal energy, power and confidence that do not rely on the business cycle, but depend solely on God.
Paul prays that God will give these resources, freely, because the Christians can never pay for them, cannot earn them and do not deserve them. Our greatest resource is having Christ resident in the place where we weigh things up and make our decisions (our hearts). The impact of His presence should be even more significant than a world-expert advising a board. Knowing how to deal rightly and wisely will inevitably give confidence. And understanding the situation from God's point of view will enable courageous decision-making, and leadership.
Praying in the workplace should be second-nature for the Christian. Praying together with others is also a powerful antidote to complaining over coffee. Those who believe that God has power and answers prayer will meet regularly to do so. Some prayer groups, requesting a meeting room, have told their bosses that they want to pray for them, and the business! If other faith groups can request such a meeting, surely believers in the 'God who answers prayer' should have the confidence to claim the same right. Some Word@Work readers have already done that. Do let us know if you have too!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Forgive me when I have failed to pray for my bosses, employees and colleagues at work. I know that You can act powerfully when Christians pray: please help me to take this responsibility seriously. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and Spanish
The business world sees its resources as money coming into the bank from confirmed orders, repeat business and successful marketing campaigns. And stockholdings are generated on confidence in the company's performance in the future. Of course the most important resources are quality raw materials, sound intellectual property and good staff. However Christians have a personal energy, power and confidence that do not rely on the business cycle, but depend solely on God.
Paul prays that God will give these resources, freely, because the Christians can never pay for them, cannot earn them and do not deserve them. Our greatest resource is having Christ resident in the place where we weigh things up and make our decisions (our hearts). The impact of His presence should be even more significant than a world-expert advising a board. Knowing how to deal rightly and wisely will inevitably give confidence. And understanding the situation from God's point of view will enable courageous decision-making, and leadership.
Praying in the workplace should be second-nature for the Christian. Praying together with others is also a powerful antidote to complaining over coffee. Those who believe that God has power and answers prayer will meet regularly to do so. Some prayer groups, requesting a meeting room, have told their bosses that they want to pray for them, and the business! If other faith groups can request such a meeting, surely believers in the 'God who answers prayer' should have the confidence to claim the same right. Some Word@Work readers have already done that. Do let us know if you have too!
Prayer: Dear Lord. Forgive me when I have failed to pray for my bosses, employees and colleagues at work. I know that You can act powerfully when Christians pray: please help me to take this responsibility seriously. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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