52 Workday Prayers: Psalm 30 - Rejoicing After Hard Times

You have turned my mourning into dancing;
you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

Psalm 30:11-12

Prayer

Gracious God, how can I thank you enough for what you have done for me?! When I think about how hard things have been at work and how discouraged I felt, I am astounded by where things are today. You have brought me through such a difficult time. Sometimes it seemed that I would drown in my tears of despair. But you, O Lord, have turned my mourning into dancing. You have taken off my garments of sadness and clothed me with joy.

I praise you for your grace and mercy in my life. My soul praises you. My body praises you. My voice praises you. My mind praises you. All that I am I offer to you in praise.

Today, O Lord my God, I thank you. And, in the future, as I remember your goodness to me, I will thank you again and again. I will give thanks to you forever. How good you are to me! Hallelujah! Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

Consider God’s blessings that you experience as you work, and give thanks . . . often!

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 30, paying attention to what the Spirit of God is stirring up in your heart, especially in relationship to your work. Talk with God about what you are thinking and feeling.

You might also reflect on the following passage from Ephesians:

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:18-20

This prayer is part of a collection: 52 Workday Prayers: Learn from the Psalms How to Pray through Your Work. To purchase this devotional and small group guide, visit the De Pree Center store.