Prayers for those who have lost a job or income � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

Prayers for those whohave lost a job or income

It’s Okay to Lament

I dropped to my knees and let my tears fall to the floor. “God, why aren’t you taking care of me?” I cried. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I’d been laid-off for almost a month, and something had gone wrong with my unemployment application. I hadn’t received any money yet. Deep down, I trusted that God would work out everything. I believed He truly loved me and would take care of me, but in that moment, I felt abandoned. The book of Lamentations reminds us it’s okay to lament. The book was probably written during or soon after the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC. It describes the affliction (3:1, 19), oppression (1:18) and starvation (2:20; 4:10) the people faced. Yet, in the middle of the book the author remembers why he could hope: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (3:22–23). Despite the devastation, the author remembered that God remains faithful. Many of us lost jobs and businesses during lockdown; and now we’re left with no idea what’s going to happen next. Sometimes it feels impossible to believe that “the Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (v. 25), especially when we don’t see an end to our suffering. But we can cry out to Him, trusting that He hears us and that He’ll be faithful to see us through.

Julie Schwab

A Prayer for God’s Provision Father, the earth and everything in it is Yours. No situation is outside of Your control. The loss of my job has hurt me; I am afraid for my family’s future. I don’t know what steps to take next. But I know You can move mountains for Your children; or give them the strength to climb over. I choose to entrust this difficult season to You, Lord. I thank You in advance for providing for my needs and for caring for my family. I don’t know how or when, but I put my faith in Your promise that You will give us just what we need. Amen

A Prayer for Contentment Amidst Uncertainty Good Shepherd, walk with me so that I will not be in want. My needs and worries threaten to overwhelm me. But by Your side, I know I have all I need. Lead me to the quiet waters of Your refreshing presence. Fill my heart with Your Spirit so that even in this uncertain season, my mouth will proclaim Your praise! Amen

A Prayer for Those Who are Job Hunting or Retraining Lord God, many have lost work due to the pandemic. I pray for all those who are desperately seeking for new jobs at the moment. Strengthen them to persevere through the exhausting routine of searching, applying and interviewing. Put them in the workplace You desire for them so that You might use them for good. And I lift to You all those having to retrain in order to take on new work. Bless them and their families during this challenging season; give them the energy to juggle many commitments. In all this, be the Rock who remains constant in a world of constant change. Amen

7 Verses about God’s Provision

1The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10

2Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” . . . your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:31-33

3He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

4And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

5My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

6Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

7His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:3

THOSE WHO seek the Lord

LACK NO good thing

PSALM 34:10