A big thank you to all who participated in our MfD Fall Day of Prayer.
Prayer is an essential part of our ministry… it’s the engine behind our efforts.
But another critical part of what we do is: the work itself.
Prayer and work go together.
This is true for all of us.
Ora et labora is a Latin phrase that goes back to the sixth century.
It simply means ‘prayer and work’ and reflects the connection between our relationship with God and fulfilling the callings He gives us.
The phrase became the motto of Benedictine monks, but you don’t need to live in a monastery to apply it today.
We’re all to integrate prayer and work — no matter where God calls us.
This includes setting aside times to pray… to ask God for direction, strength and blessing regarding our work.
And also involves seeking Him in the midst of our labors… as the Apostle Paul advises when he says “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).
Paul also said something else related to this topic:
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil.2:12).
This has nothing to do with working to earn one’s salvation.
Rather, it admonishes us to work out in our everyday lives what God is working in our hearts.
It shows our salvation is not like a certificate we keep in a drawer.
But a vital part of our daily existence, as we interact faithfully with whatever God brings before us.
In this regard…
Make it a habit…
Pray and work.
And keep them functioning together.