When you’re out looking for the next job—the one that has a reasonable combination of pay and benefits and utilizes your skill set well—it’s going to take some time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests the average search takes 5-6 months from application to hiring. And though the job market has ups and downs, about 90% of those looking for a good job will find one in that timeframe.[1] But that doesn’t make the wait and the stress of being “in between” any easier. It sometimes means stretching dollars, bridging benefits, and relying on a spouse, or temporary work, or the gig economy, to make ends meet.

As a Christian in the workforce, you have a special tool you can use every day during your job search. Prayer is of tremendous benefit in every area of life and work. During a job search, consider how praying specifically and frequently can help you as you focus on the search as a spiritual matter worthy of God’s attention and your faithful stewardship. God has many promises for you in Scripture that you can claim and pray that will help alleviate your stress, give confidence and direction in the process, and help you to end up where God Himself wants you to be in the workplace. Consider four areas of prayer:

Pray for God’s provision. God doesn’t promise to provide all that we want, but in Scripture He does promise to provide all that we need. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” In Matthew 5:26-34, Jesus reminds us of our great value to God, and that we should not worry about our basic needs, as He will provide for us. “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things” (Matthew 6:31-32).

Pray these verses of Scripture as you ask God to provide for your needs, both during your job transition, and in the purpose and pay inherent in your your next job. Ask God to help you save and spend wisely. Ask God to help you ensure that your bills are all paid at the end of the month. Also ask God to provide for His church through you during your job search—and commit to continue your faithful stewardship and tithing during your employment journey.

Pray for God’s direction. Which job should you take? Will the first offer be the best one you will receive? Is the company you are considering a good one to work for? A job search is in part a search for the right path. God promises that when we trust Him, that He will direct us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Psalm 37:23-24 tells us, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”

Pray these verses of Scripture as you ask God to direct your path. Ask Him to help you choose wisely from the options ahead. Ask for His help in saying yes or no to an offer or a specific role. Ask God to lead you the opportunities that are a good fit for your skill set and experience. Ask Him for clarity in the choices that are before you. If a move is involved, ask God to help you with all the facets of selling a house, packing up, moving schools, and all the details involved in taking life and family from one location to another. And ask God for a speedy resolution to your job search.

Pray for godly perception. Going through a job transition takes both wisdom and discernment. Wisdom is the quality of good judgment and useful experience. Discernment is the ability to judge well, especially in a spiritual context. These qualities of character help us to make good choices when confronted with multiple options. Discernment too is especially helpful in perceiving another person’s level of honesty and integrity—which is very useful when dealing with HR staff and a possible future boss. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” And in Proverbs 2:6 we read, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Ask God to give you wisdom and discernment. Ask Him to reveal in His Word the understanding that you need to make wise decisions. Ask God to put people of integrity into the job selection process and to give you thoughtfulness in trusting their recommendations. Because God’s promise of wisdom is tied to your relationship with Him and your time in His Word, commit to spend daily time in the Bible and prayer. This can begin during your job hunt but will serve you throughout life and work.

Pray for God’s resolution. A job transition creates issues in life, work and family that must be dealt with and solved to completion. The stress of being between jobs can weigh on health and relationships. God promises, though, that He will give us peace in times of high anxiety. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Psalm 50:15 reads, “And call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”

Pray these verses of Scripture as you ask God to relieve the stress and anxiety of a job transition. Ask Him to grant you peace and confidence through the search. Ask Him to guide you in your important relationships and help you to make healthy decisions as the transition may weigh on you in your daily and family life. Finally, ask God to deliver you into the role He has planned for you, giving you a means of provision and a meaningful work experience. Thank Him now for the ending He will bring to your job search—the one He already knows about and has been working on for you during these days.

[1] https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/how-long-to-find-a-job

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