Etiquette for Workplace Prayer: Sidebar

 
 Issue #55 July/August 2006 

Sandy, the office manager of a large law firm, looked distraught: She had just received news that her mother had a heart attack. My immediate response was to put a hand on her shoulder and pray aloud for her. I wanted to express my care and concern, and this seemed the natural thing to do.

Sandy told me later that my prayer for her—while well intended—made her feel embarrassed and awkward. She felt that my actions were particularly inappropriate in front of her coworkers and subordinates.

Praying for someone in a business setting can be very different from praying for Christian friends at church. Here are some tips to keep in mind when praying in the workplace:

�?Comfort level. You may be very comfortable praying aloud in a public setting, but it may make others uncomfortable. When praying for people with personal concerns in the workplace, it is best to ask if they want prayer and to pray privately, out of the view of others.

�?Touch. Physically touching someone can feel invasive and is inappropriate at work. Shaking hands may be the norm, but you should not lay hands on someone while praying unless you ask permission.

�?Confidentiality. People may share personal concerns in a workplace prayer group. It is important to keep prayer requests confidential to build trust and establish safety for relationship building.

�?Avoid religious vocabulary. Because there is such diversity in the workplace, use simple, relational language. People come from a wide variety of backgrounds, faith experiences, and denominations. Be sensitive and aware of these differences when you offer to pray for someone.

�?Pray at all times; when necessary, use words. You can pray silently anytime and any place at work. Pray on your way to a meeting. Pray for God’s love and light to fill every office. Pray peace and blessing on each person you see. Your quiet intercession can create an atmosphere that invites God’s presence to transform lives. In fact, your life itself, when you faithfully reflect Jesus, can be a powerful prayer in the workplace.

—By Betsy Lee, president of Prayer Ventures (www.prayerventures.org).