A Prayer about Being Busy

Do you like being busy?

“Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but only one thing is necessary.” Luke 10:41

Gentle Jesus,

How many times must you beckon us to come to you, 

to lay down our heavy burdens of busying about, 

and to pick up your light and easy burden? (See Matt. 11:28-30).

We confess, we are a busy people, 

buzzing about with our many plans.

We confess, 

we are a distracted, 

anxious, 

and troubled people, 

rushing about to do the many things, 

when you say only one thing is necessary.

Thank you for calling us again and again 

to come to you, 

to be still, 

to cease striving, 

to know that you are God. (See Ps. 46:10). 

Thank you for reminding us 

that we find salvation in “returning and rest,”

strength in “quietness and trust” (See Isaiah 30:15).

Help us, Lord, we pray, 

to turn from our consumption with the many things, 

to enjoy the good Sabbath you give us, 

and the good rest you offer. 

We profess —you are the “one thing.” 

Help us to live what we believe. 

Amen.

Read Luke 10:38-42; Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 30:15; Matthew 11:28-30.