Workplace idolatry
With feng shui, new age and other idolatrous practices so rampant, it is almost impossible to work in a place that worships God only. Before Jesus left His disciples, He prayed that we would be protected from Satan while we are in this world. Let us be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” in our idolatrous workplaces. Here is a daily prayer for faith, wisdom and favour at work.
(See Chinese versions: 简体中文 > 职场偶像崇拜 | 繁體中文 > 職場偶像崇拜)
John 17:14-15 ESV I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
Matthew 10:16 ESV “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
A prayer over a workplace with idolatrous practices
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving me this job and the privilege of bringing Your presence into a workplace that is blinded and deceived into secular beliefs, idol worship and witchcraft rituals (fengshui, new age, wellness, mindfulness etc.)
2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
I bow my heart before You, oh splendid Father. Please grant me faith, wisdom, and favour at work, so that my co-workers and superiors will see that You are greater than their false beliefs – and open their hearts towards You one day. Make me a vessel of Your love and truth.
1 John 4:4,7 ESV Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
Remind me that my ultimate reporting line goes directly to You. Help me to do my work well and with joy. Please inspire me and provide the resources I need to glorify You, Father. Nothing is impossible for You.
Colossians 3:23 ESV Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Lord, I confess all past and ongoing sins committed in this place, including (please name the sins). In the supreme name of Jesus Christ, I command all demonic forces that operate here to bow down and submit to my Lord, Jesus. As a child of God Almighty, I forbid you to come against my Heavenly Father’s plans for me here today.
2 Corinthians 6:14,16 ESV Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Father in heaven, I praise You that You watch over my work and keep me safe from my enemies at work.
Psalm 3:1-4,6 ESV O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying of my soul, “There is no salvation for him in God.” But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Holy Spirit, I choose to be a holy vessel for You, kept separate from these demonic practices, so that I do not grieve You. Please cleanse and protect me from the unrighteousness being practiced here. Remind me to cut soul ties with all at work at the end of each work day.
2 Corinthians 6:17 ESV Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you,
Jeremiah 10:2 NLT This is what the LORD says: “Do not act like the other nations, who try to read their future in the stars. Do not be afraid of their predictions, even though other nations are terrified by them. Their ways are futile and foolish. They cut down a tree, and a craftsman carves an idol.
I also confess and repent of any anxious thought that is not from You. Whenever I remember that my future is in Your hands, all fear fades away. Your plans for me in this workplace were set even before my first day here. You are in charge of everything that’s going to happen today, tomorrow and years from now. I will put my faith in You alone.
True wealth and blessings come from God alone. Where company policies demand that I dishonour God and blaspheme His Holy name, I will remember to stand my ground. Thank you for the opportunity to honour You before many witnesses at work. Give me the peace and courage to stand up against the pressure to bow down to human beings.
1 Chronicles 29:12 ESV Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all.
1 Timothy 6:12 ESV Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Please guide my thoughts and actions so I am always respectful and gentle, yet firm and shrewd, towards those who go against me. I choose to use my body as a vessel of the Holy Spirit and to only speak wisdom, peace, and unity – never to engage in ungodly politics, gossip or slander.
Ephesians 4:29-31 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
May my heart follow the voice of the Holy Spirit, rather than the words of other human beings. Even if following Jesus costs me this temporary job, I celebrate that my Father will provide all my needs when I move on. And thank you that my eternal rewards in heaven will be even greater.
James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Father, You love the people I work with immensely too. I pray for their souls and ask for opportunities to share Your love with them. Make me a testimony of a loving and wonderful God that my co-workers will be drawn to.
Psalm 72:18-19 ESV Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!
What a privilege it is to be a light for Jesus and demonstrate His gospel in a world that worships money, status and power. Help me to be faithful to Your mission of hope, peace, joy, and reconciliation at this workplace. We all need You, Father. Please come to our aid and set us free from the schemes of the enemy, so that we may all meet Jesus with great celebration one day.
2 Corinthians 5:19-20 ESV … in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
In Jesus’ name, amen.“