The Words and Wisdom of Dietrich Bon... 
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After the first morning hour [of prayer], the Christian's day until evening belongs to work. "People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening" (Ps. 104:23 ). In most cases a community of Christians living together will separate for the duration of the working hours. Praying and working are two different things. Prayer should not be hindered by work, but neither should work be hindered by prayer. Just as it was God's will that human beings should work six days and rest and celebrate before the face of God on the seventh, so it is also God's will that every day should be marked for the Christian both by prayer and work. Prayer also requires its own time. But the longest part of the day belongs to work. The inseparable unity of both will become clear when work and prayer each receives its own undivided due.
Biblical Wisdom
Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23
Questions to Ponder
In what ways might prayer be hindered by work?
In what ways might work be hindered by prayer?
How are prayer and work related to each other?
Psalm Fragment
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and prosper for us the work of our hands․
O prosper the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17
Journal Reflections
Reflect on the work you do. Is it satisfying and meaningful? Is it work that reflects your values? Is it work that reflects your faith? Explain.
In what ways does prayer support you in your work? In what ways does prayer help to shape your work and the way you do it?
Besides the work you do for income, what other kinds of meaningful work do you do at home or in the community? How does prayer relate to that work?
Intercessions
Pray for your co-workers, that they might find real satisfaction and meaning in their work. Pray for your workplace relationships, particularly those where there may be conflict and tension. Pray that you and your co-workers would be mutually supportive and encouraging.
Prayer for Today
Lord, when I go out to work may I go joyfully and with enthusiasm for the tasks at hand. May my work be good for me and good for others.
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Re: The Words and Wisdom of Dietrich... refreshed
12 y
674
This is a reply to # 1,946,900This order and discipline must be sought and found in the morning prayer. It will stand the test at work. Prayer offered in early morning is decisive for the day. The wasted time we are ashamed of, the temptations we succumb to, the weakness and discouragement in our work, the disorder and lack of discipline in our thinking and in our dealings with other people․all these very frequently have their cause in our neglect of morning prayer. The ordering and scheduling of our time will become more secure when it comes from prayer.
Biblical Wisdom
In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35
Questions to Ponder
In what ways might “prayer offered in the morning” be “decisive for the day”?
Do you agree that many of the problems we encounter have “their cause in our neglect of morning prayer”? Why, or why not?
How can prayer lead to the “ordering and scheduling of our time”?
Psalm Fragment
Give ear to my words, O Lord;
give heed to my sighing.
Listen to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. Psalm 5:1-3
Journal Reflections
Write about how you usually spend your mornings. What do you do before work or school?
Are you satisfied with the way you spend your mornings? If not, how would you like to spend your mornings?
How is prayer presently a part of your morning? Any changes you would like to make?
Prayer for Today
Lord, show me a time in the morning when I can listen to you for the day ahead and when I can talk to you for the day ahead.
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Re: The Words and Wisdom of Dietrich... refreshed
12 y
751
This is a reply to # 1,947,337Thankfulness works in the Christian community as it usually does in the Christian life. Only those who give thanks for the little things receive the great things as well. We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts prepared for us because we do not give thanks for daily gifts. We think that we should not be satisfied with the small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience, and love that has been given to us, and that we must constantly be seeking the great gifts. Then we complain that we lack the deep certainty, the strong faith, and the rich experiences that God has given to other Christians, and we consider these complaints to be pious. We pray for the big things and forget to give thanks for the small (and yet really not so small!) gifts we receive daily. How can God entrust great things to those who will not gratefully receive the little things from God's hand?
Biblical Wisdom
You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord GOD is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name.... Isaiah 12:1-4
Questions to Ponder
What are the cultural forces in our society that work against the experience and expression of thankfulness?
What are the "small gifts" we receive from God each day?
How could such "small gifts" be affirmed, honored, and celebrated in a community of faith?
Psalm Fragment
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits․
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-5
Journal Reflections
At the end of each remaining day in this 40-day journey, write in your journal a list of those things from that day for which you are grateful.
Reflect on how the "small gifts" you receive from God shape your life and your relationships.
Intercessions
Pray that you would be a voice of thanksgiving in your family, among your friends and co-workers, and in your community of faith. Pray that your voice of thanksgiving would encourage others to give voice to the many things for which they are thankful.
Prayer for Today
Lord, open my eyes that I may see the giftedness of my life and let my life be a hymn of praise and thanksgiving.
40-Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Re: The Words and Wisdom of Dietrich... refreshed
12 y
751
- Re: The Words and Wisdom of Dietrich... refreshed
12 y
674
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