I dread the workday.
Every day I struggle to keep peace
with a difficult coworker.
When I work with this person
I feel my sense of self-worth diminish.
I feel disrespected and unheard.
As I go in to work,
I feel myself bracing for a blow.

Please surround me today
with Your perfect peace.
Help me react to the blows as they come
rather than agonizing in anticipation of them.
Give me the strength to stand up
for myself when it is called for,
the patience to work peacefully
with someone I do not agree with,
and the joy to be a positive presence,
regardless of the challenges I confront.