Working in the Presence of God: Spiritual Practices for Everyday Work

by Denise Daniels, Shannon Vandewarker

How do we invite God into our everyday lives? Working in the Presence of God discusses the incorporation of spiritual disciplines into the ordinary rhythms of everyday experience. God is already present and active, so by becoming aware of workday rhythms and focusing on where various spiritual practices might be implemented in our jobs, we can be transformed into Christ’s likeness through our work.We often think of spiritual practices as preparation for our regular lives; in comfortable spaces and ideal settings, we set aside time to hear from God. But what if we can engage in these practices in the midst of our regular lives, and particularly at work? This transformation takes place when we surrender our working lives to God, begin to hear his voice, accept his pleasure, and allow his guidance at work.The spiritual practices outlined in the book Liturgy of CommuteWorkplace as Holy GroundSurrendering the CalendarReading Scripture in Your WorkspaceAffirmation of CallingGratitude for God’s Blessing and Celebrating Success at WorkConfession at WorkLamenting Working in God’s PresencePrayer of Examen for Ceasing from Work

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

Reviews

[Bill Pence · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors of this book tell us that by using spiritual practices in the workplace, we can begin to be attentive to the ways in which God is already present - speaking and acting. They write that whether you find your work mundane or interesting, physical or intellectual, by incorporating spiritual practices into your daily working rhythms, you too can be shaped by God’s transforming hand. Their hope is that through engaging in the practices in this book, your everyday work will become a form of prayer, incarnated and offered to God as a pleasing sacrifice.
The authors write that the point of spiritual practices is to be made into the likeness of Christ, for the sake of our neighbor. Whatever your job, the first step in engaging in spiritual practices at work is for you to become aware of the rhythms of your specific work. Knowing your own work rhythms can help you identify where in your workday or workweek you can incorporate the different spiritual practices that are discussed in the book.
The book is divided into the following major sections:
Part One: Orienting to Work
Part Two: Engaging in Work
Part Three: Reflecting on Work
Among the spiritual practices covered in the book are liturgy of commute, surrendering the calendar, reading scripture at work, affirmation of calling, confession at work, lamenting work, and sabbath. With each practice there are stories from some who have experienced the practice. Each chapter ends with “Questions for Reflection and Discussion”.
I enjoyed this helpful book about spiritual practices we can use in the workplace.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• What we consider “work” is that which God has called you to do for his glory, in a particular place and time, for the sake of loving those around you.
• Your commute is shaping you whether you know it or not. How you begin your day will affect how you go about your work.
• God is in your ordinary work and workplace, whatever that space is for you.
• When you surrender your calendar, you open up yourself to letting go of your expectations for the day and allowing your schedule to be shaped by God’s intentions for your work.
• Reading Scripture in your work or office space, however, can dramatically change not only how you read Scripture but also how you think about and engage in your work.
• You need to see your occupation in the light of the God who called you to this work—to see it as a vocation, a divine call.
• Your work is meant to serve others.
• Confession in relationships, work, and our vocations is a central practice to being a disciple in the workplace.
• Practicing the Sabbath allows us space to reflect on the ways God is at work and the opportunity to engage in relationships with others.
• Solitude can bring the rest, clarity, and connection we need to keep going forward in our work.
• The Sabbath provides time to reflect on God’s goodness: to recognize your blessings, and to be content in your circumstances.
• Worship should not be divorced from our work: in fact, we should offer up our work to God.

[Will van Delft · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will transform your relationship toward your work. Put to practice, it will atune your heart to the work of God going on all around you and provide direction and purpose to your job. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. I loved the premise of the book, and found many of the practices very valuable, but would have appreciated even more depth in places. A few sections felt repetitive.

[Philip Appiagyei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for practical christian living

[Cailyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great content but very repetitive. This book could have been more accessible and make the same points in 90 pages or less

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but they yapped way too much. This book could have been significantly shorter.