You Are Not What You Produce

Angels & Saints: A Modern Book of Common Prayer

Original artwork © Jordan Vale

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Call to Prayer

Before I’ve done anything today;

I already belong.

I already matter.

I am already loved.

Nothing I do today is going to make You love me more.

Scripture

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴² but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

- Luke 10:41-42 (ESV)

Written Prayer

God of being, not just doing, quiet the noise in my mind,

the voices that say I have to hustle for worth.

Remind me I was made for You, not for proving myself to You.

Like Mary may I sit at Your feet today, even as I move through the tasks in front of me.

I am not what I produce. I am Yours. I am beloved.

Confession & Assurance

Confession

Lord, I confess the idol of productivity.

I confess the shame I feel when I don’t “get enough done.”

I confess how quickly I tie my worth to my work.

How entangled the two become.

I confess when I feel guilty for resting.

Free me from the lie that I am only as valuable as I am useful.

Assurance

Your value is not up for debate.

Christ didn’t die for your output, He died for you.

That’s enough.

Reflection Prompt

How have I let productivity define my identity?

Prayer from the Saints

“We are not what we do. We are not what we have. We are not what others say about us. We are the beloved of God.”

- Henri Nouwen

Closing Benediction

Let love, not pressure, lead you today.

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