We join you in lifting this burden before our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, and we thank you for coming boldly before His throne of grace. We hear your heart, your faithfulness over seven years, your gratitude for work, and also your very real need for just wages and for security in these 15 hours each week that you depend upon. The Lord sees your diligence and your need, and He hears your cry for justice and provision.
The word of God is clear that a worker is worthy of his wages, as it says in 1 Timothy 5:18 and Luke 10:7, and that wages should not be withheld. Leviticus 19:13 says You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning. And James 5:4 warns that the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out. We pray that your employer would have his heart softened by the Lord, that any bitterness and anger would be taken away, and that he would act justly and fairly toward you. We also join you in praying for him, that if he has indeed lost work or is struggling in his own employment and in his stock work, that God would open doors for him and give him stability, for we are called to pray for those who have authority over us and to love even those who may wrong us.
We are encouraged by your courage to speak up in truth and with respect to ask for what you have honestly earned. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men in Colossians 3:23 reminds us that God sees your labor even when men do not reward it as they should. At the same time God calls employers to give to servants that which is just and equal in Colossians 4:1. We encourage you to continue to communicate with grace and truth as in Ephesians 4:15, to keep a clear and honest record of your hours, and to commit your way to the Lord while you wait for his answer over this weekend. Do not be anxious, for Philippians 4:6-7 tells us In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
We pray together now for you.
Heavenly Father, we lift up our dear brother or sister to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You know the need for these 3 hours of pay from Monday, You know the reduction from 45 hours to 15 hours, and the seven years without a raise, and the anxiety about possibly losing this job. Lord, You are our Provider and we claim Your promise in Philippians 4:19 that our God will supply every need of ours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. We ask that You would move upon the heart of this employer, that he would understand the need for just payment and would not withhold what is due, that he would speak with kindness and clarity when you talk, and that no unjust loss of employment would occur. Give our friend strength and courage and peace that passes understanding, and remind him that You have said in Isaiah 41:10 Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. Provide for every financial need, open other opportunities if it is Your will, and let Your will be done in this workplace. We trust in Your perfect timing and justice, and we ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
