A new faith and work tradition in our church service

Today, my pastor prayed for people in the legal field during the church services. It’s the beginning of a new tradition we are starting to support our attendees. There are so many needs and challenges at work that often get overlooked in a Sunday service. We learn on Sunday some nice Christian principles, but how do we apply them?

So often, we pray over missionaries as they are sent out to serve. What about everyone else? They are being sent, too. This new tradition sends workers into the marketplace to be transformational and redemptive in the city.

Below is the prayer for people in the legal profession. I will post the others as they are done. Feel free to share with people in the legal field and encourage your pastor to consider this type of commissioning. There was quite a buzz about it after the service. People felt validated and loved. They knew that the church cared about their lives Monday through Friday.

Prayer for the legal profession

Our Heavenly Father, we approach your throne today to pray for those of us who have been chosen by You to work in the legal field. You are the true defender of the oppressed and the defenseless, and you are the one who brings truth and justice to bear in all of life, so we pray that you will comfort the lawyers and those in the legal field as they are faced with difficult situations. Help them to imitate you to seek true justice for all.

In Isaiah 58, you called upon each of us to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace, and to be generous.
If [we] get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
and give ourselves to the down-and-out…
our lives will begin to shine in the darkness,
our workplaces will be bathed in the light of your Son, Jesus.

Help those in the legal field to work with local law enforcers to promote peace and to advocate on behalf of their clients.

Help them to be willing to identify improper conduct—in their own lives first, and then in their workplace—and give them the wisdom and courage to confront it and seek change. Help them to have the courage to remain independent, guided by Your value system and not turn away in order to generate additional fees or protect their jobs. Let your word be their unyielding moral compass.

Use them to decrease corruption and greed in both public and private sectors. Let their faith bless their clients and encourage them to trust You through the times of trial or difficulty.

Help them to understand that they reflect you, and that excellence in their work reflects on you. Day to day hard work, diligence to detail, creative thinking, intellectual energy, and an unwavering moral compass are essential. Help each of them to be such a person.

Keep them from the temptation to only seek their personal gain or status. Free them from slavery to money and power.

And, as a church, we ask that You provide renewal for them every day. And help us provide support, understanding, and hope to those standing today as they do this honorable work.

As they reflect you, Father, inspire us all to bring your justice and integrity into our workplaces and into our homes and neighborhoods.

In Jesus name,

Amen.