A parishioner told me a story about prayer in her workplace. She works for a secular company but after the Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, she learned that her CFO was Catholic and had attended. The CFO was open about her faith and prayed regularly with her assistant for the needs of the company and the employees. Our parishioner friend began praying the Rosary with them.

The company is in a big transition and despite being one of the main developers of the company, that CFO was recently let go. Our friend recognized that if the company was going to weather the transition well, they would need to make up for the lost prayer support of that important leader. So, she reached out to the assistant and began praying with her. They prayed for the leadership, the employees, the work, the integrity of the company, the employees’ families and the schools and churches they attend.

Then she was inspired to reach out to other prayerful people in the company. The Chief of Staff is a faithful Jew; and a colleague, a cancer survivor, an active Protestant. She asked them, and the former CFO’s assistant, to join her in praying in their own way for guidance and a positive change for the company. She suggested that they each pray privately, but simultaneously for nine days, as in a novena. Each day, she prayed a Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Surender Novena, St. Michael’s Prayer and recited the Armor of God verses from Ephesians Chapter 6.

She recognized that it was empowering to be praying as a team for their unified goal to reenergize their company. They might have felt helpless, not being part of the decision-making leadership, but since those four diverse employees each respect the power of prayer, they did their part and now rest in the confidence that God is directing their future. She has also recognized that the prayer partnership has produced better teamwork, communication, and mutual support within the company. It all began with the CFO living her life openly as a Catholic – that is undoubtedly the best leadership of all.

Scripture: Read Ephesians 6:11-17. What stands out?

Call to Action: We should not be afraid to allow co-workers to know that we are faithful Catholics and let’s remember to pray for the needs of our employers and colleagues.