Praying for our Business and local Economy – Following Jesus from the Edges.

Establish the Work of Our Hands

Pastor Calvin Cook

Day 9 of 30 — September 19, 2026

Praying for Our Communities

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” — Psalm 90:17

Today I am asking you to consider praying for the business’s in our community. I have personal interest in this as a business owner and someone who has been engaged in some form of self-employment or business most of my life. From the early days of selling sweet corn that was grown by our family to nearly 30 years in the retail furniture trade. This is truly a place where I can say I know I have been there and still am.

However I don’t want this to turn into a me prayer but prayers for our business community. As we pray for our communities, we must remember the people who get up each morning and go to work—the people who open businesses, care for patients, teach children, repair vehicles, stock shelves, prepare meals, drive trucks, build homes, farm the land, and serve their neighbors.

Psalm 90 ends with a simple prayer: “Establish the work of our hands.”

This prayer recognizes that our work matters to God. Work is not merely how we earn a paycheck. It is one of the ways we provide for our families, serve others, use the gifts God has given us, and contribute to the well-being of our communities.

As someone who serves in both pastoral ministry and small business, I understand that work can be deeply rewarding—and deeply stressful. There are days when business is good and hope comes easily. There are other days when the bills continue arriving, customers are few, unexpected expenses appear, and we wonder how everything will work out.

Many people quietly carry these burdens.

Some are working two or three jobs and still struggling to make ends meet. Some are worried that their position may be eliminated. Others are searching for employment but cannot find an opportunity that matches their needs or abilities.

Business owners carry their own concerns. They are responsible not only for themselves but also for employees, vendors, customers, property, taxes, and expenses that do not stop when business slows down.

Our rural communities feel every economic change very differently and personally, more so than in larger metro areas. When a business closes, we lose more than a storefront. We may lose jobs, relationships, services, and another reason for people to remain in the community. Empty buildings can become signs of discouragement, but they can also become places where God opens a new door.

This is why we should pray for the economic health of our communities.

Pray for those who are working. Ask God to protect them, give them strength, and help them work with honesty and excellence.

Pray for those searching for employment. Ask God to open the right door and provide for them while they wait.

Pray for employers and business owners. Ask God to give them wisdom, creativity, integrity, and concern for those who depend upon them.

Pray for farmers, tradespeople, healthcare workers, teachers, factory employees, first responders, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, and everyone whose labor helps the community function.

Scripture also reminds us that how we work matters:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” Colossians 3:23

Our workplaces can become places of ministry. We may not preach a sermon, but we can demonstrate the character of Jesus through honesty, patience, kindness, fairness, dependability, and compassion.

Prayer for our community’s economy cannot be separated from our own choices. Supporting local businesses, thanking employees, treating workers with dignity, paying fairly, offering encouragement, and helping someone find an opportunity are practical ways to become part of God’s answer.

Perhaps God has placed an idea in someone’s heart that could bring new life to an empty building. Perhaps a young person needs encouragement to learn a trade, begin a business, or use their gifts without leaving the community they love.

Let us ask God not only to bless our work, but to establish it—to give it purpose, make it fruitful, and use it for the good of others and the glory of His name.

 Prayer: Lord God, establish the work of our hands. Bless those who rise each day to work and provide for their families. Strengthen those who are tired, encourage those who feel overlooked, and open doors for those searching for employment. Give wisdom, creativity, and integrity to business owners and community leaders. Revive struggling businesses and bring new opportunities into vacant places. Help employers treat workers fairly and help employees serve faithfully.

Show us how our daily work can become an offering to You and a blessing to others. May the work of our hands strengthen families, serve our neighbors, renew our communities, and glorify Jesus. In His name, Amen.

Today’s prayer step: Choose one local business or workplace. Pray for its owners, employees, customers, and future. Then take one practical step—shop locally, thank a worker, encourage a business owner, or help someone who is looking for employment.

Anyone interested in prayer walking regularly through our community, let me know, would love to see that……..Lord, establish the work of our hands.