It's 1 p.m.—break time in plant No. 14 at Cardone Industries' automotive remanufacturing plant in Philadelphia. But instead of grabbing Cokes or swapping sports stories, 15 workers in the water pump division gather and sit on makeshift seats.

Participants hail from varied backgrounds, among them Haitian, Hispanic, and Ukrainian, many now living in the city's northeast Olney section. This rich ethnic mix unites around a common purpose: prayer.

The requests vary, some coming from a weekly list e-mailed to 250 employee intercessors by Paul Spuler Sr., vice president of spiritual life. One asks that God help officials manage inventory and cash flow. Another seeks help with "production efficiencies." Individuals pray for family members who need healing, financial relief, or salvation.

As the 10-minute session winds up, an Indian woman tells Spuler, "The company has blessed me with employment. The least I can do is pray for God's blessing on them."

Since February, workers inspired by Spuler have started daily prayer sessions at two other plants at the massive facility of 4,000 employees.

"My passion is to see as much prayer as possible get integrated into this business," said Spuler, a former Assemblies of God pastor.

Cardone Industries is hardly the only business hiring people to pray and organize prayer.

Since hiring his mother as a combination bookkeeper-intercessor in 1995, Victor Eagan said his business has prospered. The Detroit-area orthodontist said intercession also promotes a peaceful office atmosphere.

While he relies on volunteer intercessors, the founder of a Midwestern dental equipment manufacturing lab credits prayer meetings and a worldwide network of intercessors for the healthy boost to his bottom ...