You probably spend more waking hours with your coworkers than with almost anyone else in your life. You know their kids' names, their weekend plans, their coffee orders, and which ones need a few minutes before they're ready to talk in the morning. You've celebrated birthdays, sat through endless meetings, and worked through crises together.
But have you ever thought about praying for them regularly?
Your workplace is one of the places God has sent you. It's a mission field, not in a pushy or awkward way, but in the sense that God has placed you among specific people for a reason. And one of the most powerful things you can do there is pray. Here's a simple guide to how to pray for coworkers.
Why pray for coworkers?
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
Paul says "first of all," meaning this is a priority, and "for all people." That includes the person in the next cubicle, the manager who stresses you out, the new hire who seems lonely, the coworker going through a divorce, and the boss who makes decisions affecting everyone.
There are several good reasons to pray for your coworkers:
God cares about them. Every person you work with is made in God's image. He knows their names and their needs better than you do.
Prayer changes things. God works through the prayers of his people. Your prayers for a coworker's health, family, or salvation matter.
Prayer changes us. It's hard to resent someone you're regularly bringing to God. Prayer softens our hearts, increases our compassion, and opens our eyes to people's needs.
Prayer prepares us for opportunities. When you pray for people, you notice them more. You become more attentive to conversations where you can encourage, help, or share your faith.
Make a simple list
Start by writing down the names of the people you work with most closely. If your workplace is large, start with five to ten people: your manager, your immediate team, and anyone you interact with regularly.
Keep the list somewhere you'll see it: in your journal, tucked in your Bible, or as a note on your phone. Add to it as you meet new people.
What to pray
Here are some ways to pray for each person on your list:
Their wellbeing. Pray for their health, their families, their finances, and the burdens they carry. Many people carry heavy things you know nothing about.
Their work. Pray for wisdom, success, and peace in their responsibilities. Pray for good relationships on their team.
Their hearts. Pray that they would come to know God through Jesus Christ, or grow in faith if they're already believers. Pray that God would open their hearts, just as he opened Lydia's (Acts 16:14).
Your relationship. Pray that you'd love them well, be patient with them, work well together, and be a good coworker. Pray that your life would point them to Christ.
A sample weekly rhythm
If praying for everyone daily feels like too much, spread it out across the workweek:
- Monday: Your manager and your company's leadership
- Tuesday: The people you work with most closely
- Wednesday: The coworkers you find difficult
- Thursday: People going through hard things
- Friday: Your company, its mission, its customers, and its future
This rhythm takes just a few minutes a day and makes sure everyone gets prayed for regularly.
Pray for the difficult ones
It's easy to pray for coworkers you like. It's much harder to pray for the ones who frustrate you, take credit for your work, or make your days harder. But Jesus calls us to this:
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
Matthew 5:44
Most difficult coworkers aren't enemies or persecutors. But if Jesus calls us to pray for those who actively oppose us, we can certainly pray for the coworker who talks too much in meetings or the one who misses deadlines.
Praying for difficult people rarely changes them overnight. But it almost always changes how we see them and respond to them.
Listen for prayer requests
When a coworker mentions a sick parent, a stressful move, a child who's struggling, a medical test, or a hard season, make a note of it. Add it to your prayer list.
If it's appropriate in your workplace, you can say, "I'll be praying for you." Many people, even those who don't share your faith, are grateful to hear it. It shows you care.
Then follow up later: "How's your mom doing?" "How did the appointment go?" That simple question shows you actually remembered and cared. In a busy workplace, being remembered is a gift.
Be wise and respectful
Every workplace is different. Some are open to conversations about faith. Others have strict policies. Use wisdom:
- Respect workplace policies about religious expression.
- Don't pressure anyone or make them uncomfortable.
- Let your prayers mostly happen privately.
- Offer to pray with someone only if they seem open to it.
- Let your actions speak as loudly as your words.
Be a light
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
Praying for coworkers often leads to opportunities: a deeper conversation over lunch, a chance to help with a practical need, or a question about your faith. When those moments come, be ready, and be gracious.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Colossians 4:5–6
You may never know this side of heaven how God used your quiet prayers in your workplace. But he hears every one.
Our free Monday Reset study helps you start your work week in God's Word, with one small action to carry into each workday. It's three days, about ten minutes each, written for working women who want their faith to shape their work.
Common questions
How do I pray for my coworkers?
Make a short list of names and pray for their wellbeing, their work, their relationship with God, and your relationship with them. A weekly rhythm, like praying for different groups each weekday, keeps it manageable.
Is it okay to tell a coworker I'm praying for them?
Often, yes. Many people, even those who don't share your faith, appreciate hearing "I'll be praying for you" during a hard time. Use wisdom, respect workplace policies, and follow up with genuine care.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
