Ora et Labora: Balancing Work and Spirituality in Modern Business

Over the past two years, the principle of Ora et Labora—“Pray and Work”—has completely reshaped the way I approach both my life and my business. As someone who has always juggled multiple roles—pastor, entrepreneur, father—I often found myself pulled in every direction, trying to maintain focus amidst a whirlwind of tasks. Like many, I chased productivity, believing that if I worked hard enough, I’d find balance. Instead, I found burnout.

It wasn’t until I embraced the ancient monastic principle of Ora et Labora that I began to see a way out of the chaos. Rooted in the Benedictine tradition, Ora et Labora teaches that work and prayer aren’t separate pursuits. Rather, they are interwoven, each feeding and supporting the other. For centuries, monks would spend their days balancing manual labor with set times of prayer, creating a rhythm that sustained both their spiritual and practical lives.

This idea has transformed my own work-life balance. Instead of seeing my business and pastoring as two competing forces, I began to view both as acts of worship. Whether I’m brainstorming for Modern Monk or preparing a sermon, each task is infused with the understanding that I am serving something greater than myself.

Work as Worship

One of the most profound realizations for me has been that all work is worship. The question isn’t whether I am worshiping through my work, but what I am worshiping. Am I worshiping Jesus through intentional, mindful work, or am I unknowingly worshiping success, ambition, or even productivity itself?

Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, captured this so well. His writings on “practicing the presence of God” have stuck with me, especially his observation: “The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer…” His view of work as a seamless continuation of his prayer life helped me realize that even the mundane tasks—answering emails, meetings, roasting coffee beans—are opportunities for worship.

This shift in perspective has allowed me to bring more mindfulness into my day-to-day activities. Rather than simply trying to “get through the day,” I’m now aware that every moment is sacred. The tasks I once rushed through are now opportunities to slow down, reflect, and invite God into the work. When I remember this, I can be more present, and surprisingly, I accomplish more with greater peace.

Breath Prayers and Mindfulness

One tool that has been invaluable to me in this process is the practice of breath prayers. In the midst of meetings, emails, and the noise of daily life, it’s easy to feel disconnected from God’s presence. Breath prayers, short phrases synchronized with your breathing, have become a lifeline for me. They help me pause, recenter, and remember who I’m doing this all for. A simple prayer like, “Lord, guide my hands,” or “Jesus, be near,” has helped me focus on God even in moments of busyness.

I used to believe that mindfulness in a fast-paced environment was nearly impossible, but Ora et Labora has shown me otherwise. It’s not about escaping work to find peace, but about inviting God into every aspect of work. With breath prayers, even the busiest moments become opportunities for connection with the Divine.

My Journey to Work as Worship

Two years ago, I would have laughed if someone had told me that running a business could feel like worship. I was hustling, stressed, and overwhelmed. But as I started integrating the rhythms of prayer and work—small moments of intentionality amidst the chaos—I began to experience a shift. Ora et Labora isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a lifeline, a way of finding balance when everything feels out of control.

I’m not perfect at this. There are days I forget to pause, when the busyness of life seems to drown out everything else. But I’ve noticed that when I do intentionally slow down, and when I choose to invite God into my work, I leave the day feeling more fulfilled, more grounded.

Conclusion: Work as Worship

As modern entrepreneurs, it’s easy to see work and spirituality as separate realms. But Ora et Labora teaches us that work itself can be a form of worship. The challenge lies in asking ourselves: what are we worshiping through our work? By integrating small, intentional practices like breath prayers and moments of reflection, we can shift our work from something that drains us to something that brings us closer to God.

I’d love to hear from you: Do you have any practices that have helped you balance work and spirituality? How do you stay mindful of God’s presence in the midst of your workday? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d be glad to engage and write more extensively about some of these practices, like breath prayers, if there’s interest.