How do you live your spiritual life through work and prayer?
Three sets of questions drive me at work. I have had these questions posted on a bulletin board in my office for the past nine years. I gleaned them from my various reading on project management.
The Labors of Work
Three sets of questions to ask at the beginning of each work day:
- What did I accomplish yesterday? How did I help the team succeed yesterday? Review the lessons learned from your previous work.
- What will I accomplish today? How will I help the team succeed today? Prepare for the day ahead of you with a mindset on results.
- Is there anything blocking me from getting the work done today? Am I doing anything that is preventing the team from getting their job done? What can I do to remove any blockers? Plan for change and flexibility throughout your day.
Reflecting on these questions is part of my morning routine to prepare for the workday. This brief morning examen helps me focus on ways to be better in my job, to improve my stakeholder engagement, and to bring my best self to the day.
Work and Prayer
There is a spiritual practice known as hora et labora, Latin which means, “pray and labor.” This phrase comes from the Rule of St. Benedict, a type of religious practice that sees prayer and work as partners in living the spiritual life. Prayer, as Anne Lamott defines it, is anything communicated from the heart to God.
If work is about doing and producing results, then prayer is about being and listening. There are many methods for prayer. One of the modes for communication of prayer is gratitude. Another tenet is to pray always and in all ways.
How do you communicate your heart to God?
The Practice of Prayer
Here are three sets of questions to help you pray with a mindset of gratitude at the end of your day:
- Where did I experience the God-moments in my life throughout this day? In others? For what am I grateful? Review how you lived the day and paid attention to the Spirit of Love.
- In what ways did I act in love and generosity? Who showed me love and kindness? Be mindful of how you interacted in love toward yourself and others, and how others engaged with you.
- Were there moments when I did not pay attention? Where I failed to help others? Reflect on the opportunities for growth.
Hora et labora – pray and work.
What motivates your actions? Your heart?
I welcome your comments.
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