Every day at work, at some point, I find myself at a loss for words as I seek to pray. There is too much going on; I can’t think straight; I don’t always know what to say or how to articulate myself.
I might be anxious, frustrated, or tired. A customer or staff member might have shared tough news. That’s when worship music rescues my mind, the Spirit of God interceding to help me pray as I ought.
1. When I’m Humbled
I’ve double-booked for the early shift, but I’m scrambling to find a closer. Or someone wanted a day off, and I forgot to schedule it, and now I’m short-staffed.
Or I’ve accidentally scheduled someone for six days in a row, and she didn’t point it out when she noticed (I clearly didn’t see it, I schedule more than 15 people each week).
She staggers in for her sixth shift in a row, and I say, “You look tired,” and then she tells me why. I feel super guilty.
Meanwhile, a customer is complaining that the tray we made wasn’t quite right. Or she’s here to pick it up, and we forgot to make it. Or I’ve lost someone’s resume, and I feel stupid.
About now, I just want to cry. Someone’s going to catch on soon that I should not be the manager. Anyone could do this job better; I couldn’t manage my way out of a paper bag with a map.
Here is what the Lord sings into my heart just then: “Lord Have Mercy” by Sovereign