The Orthodox person begins any business with prayer. Only with God's help can we overcome difficulties and barriers that arise in the process of work, avoid dangers and successfully complete what we have begun.
A prayer for work begins with the words “help, Lord!” This request is especially urgent when it is not easy to find a suitable occupation, and the worker needs to feed his family.
Drawing an analogy with earthly life, believers subconsciously feel that God should not be disturbed by minor problems, and turn to him only in special cases. Daily urgent requests are addressed, as a rule, to the patron saints. Prayer for work refers to the daily use of heavenly help.
It should be remembered that saints (great martyrs, saints, prophets) during their lives were ordinary people who differed from others only in the persistence of their convictions, meekness in dealing with others, intransigence towards the enemies of the Christian faith, courage and other virtues. They will always understand the earthly man, forgive him for weaknesses and help.
It is believed that saints who, in earthly life, labored in some field, help their colleagues. So, St. Peter was a fisherman, they turn to him when they ask for an abundant catch. Hunters pray to both the apostle Peter and his brother Andrew. Healer Panteleimon helps doctors, he knew how to treat people suffering from various ailments. The righteous Procopius contributes to those who earn by trading, in particular to modern sales managers. St. Joseph will help artisans, and Alexy of Moscow - builders.
The Mother of God, the heavenly patroness of our country, has always been especially revered in Russia, and her prayer for work is often addressed to her. An important intercessor and representative before the Lord is also the saint whose name is Orthodox Christened baptized in Christ. If the name is not in the calendar, then it does not matter, you can look at the church calendar and determine whose nameday falls on the birthday.
It should not be considered that the prayer for work is a money-grubbing nature and only the desire for material wealth is manifested in it. A person engaged in his favorite business and taking pleasure in it is charitable. In contrast to the embittered idler, he benefits loved ones and society. The desire to work distinguishes a true believing Christian who wants to earn his daily bread in the sweat of his face. Angels rejoice in his successes in the chosen field.
Almost every Russian house has an icon depicting Nikolai Ugodnik. A prayer for work is brought to him by people of various professions, among whom are the most dangerous. Seafarers turn to this holy one (Saint Mykolay the Wonderworker of Myra also assists sailors), pilots and even astronauts, but all toilers will be heard by him.
Representatives of creative professions ask for strengthening the mind and spirit, that is, for inspiration (the Evangelist Luke protects the artists). Workers physically need bodily strength, but even here admonition is required to avoid injuries and unjustified difficulties.
You can pray according to canonical texts from a prayer book or in your own words. At the same time, specific requests regarding the desired posts and salaries should not be included in the text of the prayer, God in his great wisdom does not always give the person what he wants, but will help him to get what he needs. The expressions "Lord, give me the place of the CEO" or "I ask for a salary of five thousand dollars" are unacceptable. It is possible that such a petitioner is not ready for these gifts. It is best to humbly desire patience, zeal and express a willingness to accept everything that the Almighty sends down. The publican’s prayer contains a request to forgive sins in conjunction with the recognition of one’s own sin. If she is pronounced sincerely, she will undoubtedly achieve her goal.
A prayer for well-being at work will certainly include a request for softening the heart. Any work done in a serene state of mind is more likely to succeed than it is done in bitterness and bitterness.
May all saints who shone in the Russian land help in good undertakings!