10. A PRAYER FOR BEGINNING ONE'S WORK

         Eternal and merciful God, I am about to resume my work and the duties of the calling into which Thou hast placed me, Thy servant.  May I apply myself according to the ability Thou dost grant, so that I may serve my neighbor and make an honest living.  Relying on Thy gracious promise, I therefore heartily pray Thee to bestow upon me, for the duties about to be resumed, prudence, wisdom, understanding, success, and blessing, together with health, so that I may not only make a good beginning, but in Thy name and by Thine aid arrive at a profitable close, thus at all times faithfully attending to my duties with a clear conscience and in Thy fear.  To Thee I commend my work.  Graciously let me succeed in all that I undertake and let me accomplish what I undertake in Thy name, so that Thy light may cast a bright beam on my path to Thy praise and glory and to the welfare of my neighbor; through Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.  O Lord Jesus, in Thy name and upon Thy word I will cast out my net.  O Lord, help; O Lord, grant success! Amen.