National Day of Prayer: Praying for our Workplace
“Prayer is nothing else than union with God. When the heart is pure and united with God, it is consoled and filled with sweetness; it is dazzled by a marvelous light.” — St. John Vianney
The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance in the United States that invites people to pray for the nation. It was created through a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed a law designating the National Day of Prayer to be observed on the first Thursday in May.
History
Its roots can be traced to the Founding Fathers as well as the Continental Congress in 1775, which called upon the colonies for prayers of wisdom and discernment in the forming of a new nation. Likewise, in the midst of the Civil War, President Lincoln called the nation to a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer.” Since 1952, presidents have proclaimed a National Day of Prayer, inviting people of all faiths to gather together in unity, praying for the nation and the world.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force invites and encourages all Americans to join this annual observance through community and church events with special prayers for the government, military, media, business, education, church, and family. This year’s theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations — Seeking Him in All Generations,” inspired by the verse “Tell His glory among the nations; among all peoples, His wondrous deeds” (1 Chronicles 16:24).
The Call to Prayer
The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes prayer as “a vital and personal relationship with the living and true God” where we live out the mystery of our faith (2558). We can share our whole life — the joys and sorrows — with the Lord.
Prayer is God’s gift to us, where He continuously calls us to encounter Him, patiently waiting for us to respond to His love. With each small “yes,” God continues to reveal Himself to us (CCC, 2567). Our heart is the place of encounter where we come to know God our Father and are more able to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
Prayer in the Workplace
In recent years, our culture and society have rejected “thoughts and prayers.” Prayer is viewed as passive and a way of avoiding action and responsibility by individuals, groups, and businesses. We as Catholic Christians know that prayer is active, even if from the outside it seems passive. Prayer is communion with God and gives us the discernment and courage to “go out to all the nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Yet, we also know much is demanded of those who have been entrusted with much (Luke 12:48).
We have been entrusted with our workplace — both inside and outside of the home — for this season and time. We are called to pray for those in our workplace — even if they reject it — and share the Good News with them in our everyday interactions.
In a world where talk is cheap, small moments of charity matter more. A smile and looking someone in the eye, putting down your phone, tablet, and computer to be present, a note of thanks or encouragement to a colleague, and simply letting others speak without interrupting are small acts of charity that are rooted in a prayer-centered life.
Our workplaces need our prayers and our presence. Businesses are in need of employers and leaders with integrity, humility, and empathy who can not only shape the workplace but also reach beyond to our nation.
The Catholic Church gives us great models to follow and ask for prayers, one being St. Joseph, who shows us how to be humble and compassionate. St. Joseph, pray for us on this National Day of Prayer that our workplaces may be places of integrity and excellence.
Alexandra (Alex) Harrel resides in Irving, Texas. She is a new student affairs professional within the world of higher education. In her spare time, she loves reading, embroidery, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite prayer is Hail, Holy Queen.