Towards a Biblical Theology of Homework

I am a chronic procrastinator. I am aware this is a common ailment. I don't think that because it is so wide spread that makes it a small problem. I rather think it is a huge problem that is affecting (or effecting I'm not sure; maybe I'd know if I didn't procrastinate so much) a huge amount of people. And I know for myself, at least, it is very damaging in many areas of life. It seems that I get caught in this cycle where doing my homework (or whatever task) causes me some anxiety so I put off doing it. The more time I put it off the less time I have to get it done which of course causes more anxiety. Then after putting things off to the last minute I get really freaked out. Then some how (by the grace of God) more often than not I pull it off. What I produce by pulling it off at the last minute is undoubtedly of lower quality than what I could have done had I not procrastinated. Also this is an emotionally and spritually painful process.

I believe that the root of the problem is that I am viewing the task wrongly to begin with. So then the problem is one of perspective. This is what I think my perspective should be:

I have a task or tasks to do.

There are only three possibilities:

1. I may do them poorly.

2. I may do them well.

3. I may not do them at all.

(Of course there is a lot of middle ground and subjectivity regarding “poor” and “well” but for the purposes of this exercise I think these categories are sufficient)

No matter which of the three I do the following is true: God is good, and is good to me in particular, and will continue to be good and good to me.

To whatever extent I do the tasks, or do them well, it is all by the mercy of God.

And I should pray.

The Homework prayer:

Lord

Apart from you I can do nothing.

Be merciful to me by reminding me of your goodness.

Be merciful to me in guarding me from fear and anxiety.

Be merciful to me in guarding me from the temptation to avoid work.

Be merciful to me by helping me think.

Be merciful to me in helping me to complete the work well.

Be merciful to me in reminding me that all I've done is by your mercy.

Amen.