On my desk, I have a plant for greenery, a mug for a much-needed coffee, books for studying, and two scribbled post-it notes. The first post-it is the address for the Nashville Institute for Faith and Work so I can remember the address and zip code for ordering items. The second post-it note is a reminder that has been on every desk I’ve had since 2018. It has these words written, “May my presence here daily suggest Your presence here.” This serves as a reminder that I’m a vessel - a conduit - who ultimately points people to Christ. These words reframe my work and put Philippians 2:3-4 at the forefront of my mind - “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.”
The plant, mug, and books have changed over the years, but I keep coming back to these words. They’re an excerpt from “A Liturgy for One Who is Employed” from Every Moment Holy, a collection of liturgies for the ordinary moments of life. These words resonate with me on a deep level because they remind me that the work that I do is ultimately meant to reflect and honor Christ. These words reorient my heart to be quick to repent, seek reconciliation, and serve those around me.
May this liturgy serve as an encouragement to you today.
A Liturgy for One Who is Employed
O Christ who supplies my every need,
I praise You for all provisions
and for the means by which they are provided.
For my current employment,
in this season of life, I give You thanks.
By it, may I meet my own needs,
and contribute to the needs of others.
Let me work and serve in this position
with mindfulness, creativity, and kindness,
loving You well by loving
all whom I encounter here.
Jesus, be everpresent as mediator
between me and my employer,
between me and my supervisors and co-workers,
and in all my dealings with others in this work,
reminding me that my treatment of them
is the strongest evidence of my affection for You.
Grant me therefore the patience
to listen to others,
the humility to learn from them,
the compassion to consider their needs as my own,
and the grace to wear well in this place
the name of my Lord,
remembering that I arrive here each day
as an emissary of Your Kingdom.
Let me be an asset
to my employer and superiors,
working for their flourishing
without resentment.
Let me be a support
to my peers,
contributing to their advancement
without jealousy.
Let me be an encouragement
to any I train or lead,
affirming and equipping them
without disdain.
May the days of my employment here
be meaningful. Use this chapter in my life
to accomplish Your ends,
whatever they may be.
May my presence here
daily suggest
Your presence here.
And may the outworking of the gospel
be always evident in this my work,
that my service as an employee
might be ever reckoned and received
as service first rendered unto You, O Christ.
Amen.
From Every Moment Holy
Written by Doug McKelvey
Published by Rabbit Room Press
©2017 Douglas McKelvey
Reprinted with permission
