Posted by Dave Lorenzo - Business Coach

This week’s Business and the Bible topic is a little different than our last few posts in this topic area. 

Although I often talk about affirmations and keeping a positive attitude, there is another way that many people draw the strength to persevere through the ups and downs of business and life.  Of course, I’m talking about prayer. 

Many of the successful superachievers I have worked and spoken with have told me that they believe prayer offers them a competitive advantage in business and in life.

This week I’m going to share a prayer with you that was given to me by a the CEO of a multinational corporation.  This is one of the prayers he reflects upon when he needs some inspiration.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for the Spirit of Work

Glorious Saint Joseph, model of all who pass their life in labor, obtain for me the grace to work in a spirit of penance to atone for my many sins; to work conscientiously, putting the call of duty above my own inclinations; to work with gratitude and joy, considering it an honor to use and develop by my labor the gifts I have received from God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever recoiling before weariness or difficulties.

Help me to work, above all, with purity of intention and with detachment from self, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must render of time lost, talents wasted, good omitted, and vain complacency in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all for Mary, all after your example, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my watchword in life and in death. Amen

What this means to me:

Once again we see the theme of giving glory to God through our work. He has granted us unique talent and ability and we owe it to ourselves and to Him to do the best we can. 

We also see the mention of a “final accounting” in this prayer.   That is a point at which we will have to answer for how we used our talent during the course of our lifetime. 

Even if you do not believe in God (or a higher power) the sense of ultimate accountability can be an incredibly powerful motivating force.  Use it to keep you focused.

Filed under: Business and The Bible
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