St. Patrick’s Breastplate, as Applied to the Workplace

Once again, I find myself in a women’s group at church led by stay-at-home moms, who, along with retired women, often form the largest demographics in these groups. As a childless (though no longer single) professional, I appreciate their balancing perspectives. 

 

But it gets awkward around prayer time, when I hesitate to open up about the things that fill so many of my waking thoughts. Can I really ask them to pray about my work and ministry? That feels weird. 

 

At times, I wish I could join the groups their husbands are part of, where I presume the conversations run on different rails.

 

Recently, I was delighted to discover Worship for Workers. Here’s a version of an old prayer of dedication that some of you might appreciate.

 

Breastplate of St. Patrick

Written by Wendell Kimbrough & Dan Wheeler

Performed by The Porter’s Gate, Wendell Kimbrough & Taylor Leonhardt

 

When my work takes me places I don’t want to go

Christ before me
And my heart aches with sorrow as I hit the road 

Christ be with me

 

When the care of my family takes all that I have 

Christ within me
When I’m worn and exhausted, ashamed that I’m mad 

Christ defend me

 

I rise up today in a strength that is not my own
I’m held by the promise of God that I’m never alone

 

When I’m tossed to the side and I want to give up 

Christ beside me
When I’m busting my ass but it’s never enough (or: And I’m working so hard…) 

Christ beside me
When I work hard but someone else gets the reward 

God’s eyes see me
I ask for promotion and they shut the door 

God’s ears hear me

 

When I climb the first steps toward a long-held dream 

Christ above me
And I leap out in faith and I hope to find wings 

Christ beneath me

 

There are links to listen (and more) on the Worship for Workers website.