A Prayer about Focusing on the One Necessary Thing

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

Luke 10:41-42

Lord Jesus,

You are the “one thing that is necessary.” 

You are the “good portion.” 

You rule the cosmos. 

You control all of the things 

we want to control 

but can’t. 

We confess, 

we’re not always comfortable sitting at your feet, 

listening to your truth and grace. 

We are “distracted with much serving” (Luke 10:40). 

Why do we busy about? 

Is it because we want to earn others’ approval? 

To earn your approval? 

Is it because we were raised to work hard? 

Is it because we’re addicted to distractions? 

Lord, turn our heads toward you—

“the one thing that is necessary.” 

Help us to choose the good portion—

to hear your teaching, 

to gaze on your beauty. 

And as we choose you 

over all the “many things,” 

may we find the rest you have promised 

to all who are weary and heavy-laden.

In your rest-giving name. Amen.

Read Luke 10:38-42.