How does it feel when the alarm clock rings, signalling the start of a day that will open a new chapter of your career? Do you feel an odd mixture of excitement and anxiety? There is a blank page ahead of you, and it’s up to you how you want to color it in the next few months or years. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed with not only feelings and new responsibilities, but also with the need to ‘fit in’ and get along with your boss and coworkers.
The first day at a new job can be a pivotal moment of your job since it’s when you will meet your coworkers and establish a first impression. Before leaving the house, or during travel, or perhaps before stepping into the office, take a deep breath and offer this first day of work prayer to God for His guidance.
Prayer for success in a new job
Heavenly Father,
You are the Lord of every creature that treads upon the earth and every tree whose leaves rustle in the wind. Mountains bow before You, and even the vast, mysterious oceans yield to Your power. You are the God of the Heavens, Your heavenly light gloriously shining down upon us.
Forgive me for my trespasses and my shortcomings. Many times I have disobeyed Your Word and commandments, yet Your grace remains sufficient and unchanging. Many times I have doubted Your power, yet Your love for me remains unconditional.
Thank You for giving me a blank canvas that I may use to paint a new experience on. This is a limitless opportunity that would not have been possible without Your guidance and plans for me. I am eternally grateful for every opportunity that comes knocking on my door, for each one provides me with a chance to rediscover new aspects of my faith and gives room for spiritual growth.
May You use this blank slate as a way to shape me into a better person. Wipe away my doubts and fears, and may excitement and motivation flourish instead. Guide me and inspire me as I face this new chapter ahead of me, and in the long run, may I learn plenty of lessons from this experience. As I sail for a distant future, may You be the wind in my sail, spurring me onwards despite the roughest of challenges.
These I ask in Your Most Holy Name,
Amen.
Short prayer when starting a new job
Lord God, I earnestly seek Your guidance and support as I am about to face a very important day in my life: one that will begin a new chapter of my career. I am hoping that this job will be an opportunity for me to not only grow and prosper but also to bring value, positivity, and fresh insights to my coworkers. Give me courage and motivation. Grant me confidence: in myself, in my capabilities, and in Your plans for me.
This is my humble prayer, which I beg You to hear.
Amen.
The Word of God
Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 NRSVUE
Whatever task you must do, work as if your soul depends on it, as for the Lord and not for humans, since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Homobonus
Saint Homobonus, many have called your name whenever they feel lost and anxious about a new job or career. As I prepare to start a new job, I offer you this first day of work prayer, hoping that you will hear my pleas and help them reach the Lord’s ears. Help me wash away my anxiety, fear, and perfectionism. You have been an icon of success, and I hope you will aid me as I paint this blank canvas that is waiting for me. Whatever choices I may make in the future, may it be according to my own values and God’s will. Protect me from the temptation to step on others as I strive for success. Shift my perspective so that I may see this job not as a race or even as a way to acquire wealth but as a way to create a positive impact on others.
Saint Homobonus, hear my prayer. Pray for me. Amen.
Further reflection
A new job can feel overwhelming and stressful because of the pressure to get along with everyone in the workplace, build work habits and establish work ethics, and please the higher-up management. However, if we feel like our first day did not go as well as planned, there’s no need to let it ruin the rest of the week. Mistakes, especially on the first day, are normal and common. What matters is that we don’t let our fear and anxiety stop us from shining our unique traits and strengths. A painting does not always end up like the artist originally planned, but it is just as beautiful, usually even more, than originally envisioned.
If we’re still worried about our upcoming first day, there are a few tips that might come in handy. First, sleep early and make sure to have enough rest and still have time to meditate, pray, and do all the morning routines without rushing. This way, we can properly prepare for the busy day ahead. Next, try to research and learn more about the company if we haven’t yet. It’s not a prerequisite, but it will definitely be useful while adjusting. Prepare to learn a lot from the job, so be sure to have an open mind that is open to feedback and strong enough to handle criticism. It may be demotivating, but learn to convert negative feedback into positive improvements. Most importantly, focus on bringing positivity to the workplace instead of thinking of pleasing everyone and chasing promotions. When we’re genuinely trying to bring value and interest to everyone and everything, the rest will follow, and we’ll find ourselves enjoying working. Lastly, take a few minutes to connect with the Lord through this prayer, which can go a long way in helping to shine during the first day at work and relieve all the nerves.
However the first day may go, remember to give a clap on the back after. We swallowed down our doubts and braved the pressure and stress of our first day. We took the difficult first step to victory and success. Be proud because our Father is proud of us too.
