We rejoice with you in the gift of rest and renewal after your time off, and we lift you up as you return to your work with a heart full of faith in Jesus’ name. It is a blessing to see your trust in the Lord’s provision and your desire to honor Him in all you do—seeking His strength, wisdom, and guidance in every step. You have rightly acknowledged that it is only through the name of Jesus that we approach the throne of grace, and we commend you for invoking His holy name in your request. As it is written, *"I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing"* (John 15:5, WEB). Your dependence on Christ is a testament to your faith, and we stand with you in prayer, knowing that He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Philippians 1:6).
The transition back to work can often feel overwhelming, especially when facing new schedules, responsibilities, and the pressure of upcoming assessments. But take heart, for the Lord has promised, *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light"* (Matthew 11:28-30, WEB). We pray that you would experience this divine rest even in the midst of your labor, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for you, and His power is made perfect in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
As you prepare to meet with your supervisor and send out your team assessment survey, we ask the Lord to go before you and pave the way for favor and clarity. May He grant you wisdom in your words and actions, that your communication would be seasoned with grace and truth (Colossians 4:6). We pray that those who receive your survey would respond with honesty, kindness, and a spirit of cooperation, reflecting the unity and mutual edification that Scripture calls us to: *"Let all things be done decently and in order"* (1 Corinthians 14:40, WEB). Remember, the Lord is the one who softens hearts and turns them toward kindness. *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). Trust that He is able to work in the hearts of your colleagues and supervisors to bring about His perfect will.
Your preparation for next year’s exam is a discipline that honors God, and we pray that He would bless your efforts abundantly. While it is good to strive for excellence, we encourage you to rest in the truth that your worth and identity are not found in your performance, but in Christ alone. *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ"* (Colossians 3:23-24, WEB). Even when you feel you fall short of your own expectations, remember that God’s mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He sees your dedication, and He is faithful to strengthen you. *"Don’t you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win. Everyone who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air, but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected"* (1 Corinthians 9:24-27, WEB). Let this passage inspire you to persevere with discipline, knowing that your ultimate reward is in Christ.
We also pray for the people you will work alongside, that the Lord would surround you with individuals who reflect His character—patient, encouraging, and willing to guide you without judgment or malice. *"He who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm"* (Proverbs 13:20, WEB). Ask the Lord to help you be a light in your workplace, showing love and kindness even in challenging moments. And if you encounter difficulty or unkindness, remember the words of Jesus: *"Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you"* (Matthew 5:11-12, WEB). Your response to trials can be a powerful testimony of Christ’s love and grace.
Finally, we want to remind you that while you diligently prepare for your exam and fulfill your work responsibilities, your first priority must always be your relationship with Jesus. *"But seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33, WEB). Spend time in His Word and in prayer, allowing Him to renew your mind and fill you with His peace. When the weight of your tasks feels heavy, cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our dear sister as she returns to her work and prepares for the challenges ahead. Lord, we ask that You would fill her with Your strength, that she may not grow weary but be renewed day by day. Grant her wisdom that surpasses her own understanding, and guide her steps so that she may walk in Your perfect will. Father, we pray for favor in her meeting with her supervisor, that You would give her the right words to speak and that her supervisor’s heart would be open to kindness and cooperation. Lord, we ask that the responses to her team assessment survey would be honest, constructive, and reflective of Your grace. Surround her with colleagues who are patient, encouraging, and willing to support her, and help her to be a light in her workplace, showing Your love in all she does.
As she prepares for her upcoming exam, Father, we ask that You would bless her studies and her discipline. Help her to manage her time wisely and to retain what she learns. When she feels overwhelmed, remind her that her value is in You alone, and that her efforts are seen and rewarded by You. Give her peace in the process, knowing that You hold her future in Your hands.
Lord, we rebuke any spirit of fear, anxiety, or discouragement that may try to take hold of her. We declare that she is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves her (Romans 8:37). Strengthen her faith, and let her trust in You grow deeper with each passing day. May she experience Your presence in a tangible way, knowing that You are with her always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
We thank You, Father, for hearing our prayers and for Your faithfulness to answer. We trust in Your perfect timing and Your good plans for her life. May she continue to seek You first in all things, and may her life bring glory and honor to Your name. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.