The Blessing of Business and Mission Field of the Workplace

Reflection

Greetings ,

Have you ever considered the power of business in this passage? Lydia’s position as a businesswoman allowed her to use wealth and resources to support Paul and Silas throughout their time in the city. She became a benefactor for their ministry and thus a blessing in her community through her knowledge of sales, supply chains, and employee management. God gifted her with the skills and abilities to fulfill the work He prepared for her, intertwining the work of her hands with the work of her heart for the Kingdom of God!

Our partners at iWork4Him, labor throughout the year to encourage modern day believers to embrace this biblical truth: that an occupation is a way to live in the calling of God, not a distraction away from ministry.

“We are focused on waking up the believer to help them understand that they don’t need to quit their jobs and go into full time ministry, because they already are,” said Jim Brangenburg.

Jim and Martha Brangenburg are the founders and hosts of iWork4Him, an interview-style program equipping Christ-followers in the workplace to be effective missionaries and walk in excellence that glorifies God. As the NDP Task Force focuses on praying for business and the workplace throughout the month of September, we get the opportunity to pray through all sorts of facets of business and the marketplace!

“Business is not a necessary evil – it’s an avenue to bring flourishing to a community,” said Jim Brangenburg.

Business leaders are at the forefront of decisions that have direct impact on their communities. They have been given the opportunity, through profits and resources, to reinvest in their community – it is a way that God gifts business leaders, with the capacity to multiply. We pray that leaders manage their business God’s way, with great consideration toward the whole employee roster and the larger community.

“God is increasing a business leader’s capacity not just to accumulate for themselves, but to be generous and steward what they have been given,” said Jim.

Leaders are charged with stewarding finances, inventory, strategies, relationships, and employees. Out of all these things, the people are the most important. We can pray for healthy work environments, where mutual respect exists between leaders and the rank and file, and that all efforts put forth are compensated and celebrated.

Will you pray with me right now?

Lord Jesus, You understand the needs and nature of business – You were born into an earthly family of a small-business owner. Even from the beginning You set in motion means and ways for a community to grow, multiply, and be blessed through diligently using the gifts and abilities You have given each of us. Today, I pray for business leaders to have Your wisdom when making decisions and view their role through the perspective of being a good steward of all that You have given them. I pray for employees to first honor You with their diligence and excellence. Open the eyes of Christians in the workplace to see their coworkers as their mission field and their work as a way to glorify You each day. Lord, move in the hearts of Christian customers to be salt and light toward every worker they encounter, demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in each interaction. Thank you for the many opportunities to glorify You and live out Your promises and precepts in business and the workplace. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Special Prayer Opportunity

Tonight, our NDP Task Force Leadership Summit is kicking off with NDP coordinators from around the nation gathered at the Ark Encounter in Kentucky for three days of powerful equipping and encouragement. They are gathered and ready to be further trained and then commissioned to continue mobilizing unified, public prayer for America.

These coordinators are the leaders behind the 17,000+ coordinators nationwide who are responsible for tens of thousands of NDP events each May. Their impact on our nation will be felt for generations to come, as these intercessors keep neighbor and nation covered in prayer 365 days a year!

Please be in prayer for this powerful gathering as we seek the Lord, hear from seasoned NDP National Area Leaders, receive instruction and inspiration NDP Task Force president Kathy Branzell, unveil the 2024 theme, and of course, pray fervently in righteousness and avail much!

CLICK HERE to download a prayer guide covering all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands! Join NDPTF leaders from all over the nation in praying a scripture over their area of influence.