The following was created for an acoustic chapel service at Calvin University but could easily be adapted for a full-length service by adding in additional worship elements and a sermon. You may also find the prayer of confession useful on its own.
The inspiration for this service came from Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies by Calvin University professor Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung (Brazos Press, 2020, 2nd Edition). The reflection questions are also adapted from that book.
Opening Song
“My Worth is Not in What I Own” Getty, Getty, Kendrick
Reading
Matthew 6:1–6
Response
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Reflection Questions
1. Where am I tempted to polish or perform an image of myself to impress others?
2. What achievements or appearances do I depend on for worth, even though they won’t last?
3. Am I more driven by pride—wanting to show my goodness—or by fear—wanting to hide my flaws? And how is God inviting me to rest in his love instead?
—Based on questions from Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies, Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung (Brazos Press, 2020, 2nd Edition).
Prayer of Confession
God of mercy and truth,
you see what is happening within us,
even the things we try to hide.
Set us free from the pull of vainglory—
from pretending, performing, or polishing our image
just to look impressive in the eyes of others.
Rescue us from boasting in things
that matter little in the light of eternity—
talents, achievements, appearances, or successes
that fade as quickly as they appear.
Forgive us when we twist truly good gifts
into chances to take too much credit,
or to build a reputation that centers on ourselves
rather than on your grace.
Teach us silence:
to stop talking about ourselves so much,
and to step back from the constant noise of social media.
Teach us solitude:
to release the real and imaginary audiences we try to entertain
and the approval we are always chasing.
Show us how vainglory claims us most—
whether prideful vainglory,
the need to display our goodness,
or fearful vainglory,
the urge to cover up our flaws.
Lord, lift from us the crushing weight
of other people’s opinions,
and ground our identity in your unconditional love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany of Identity & Assurance (Isaiah 43:1)
Hear the word of the Lord,
“But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, he who formed you…”
You created us, Lord. You formed us.
We are your handiwork, precious in your sight.
God speaks to us: “Fear not.”
For you, O Lord, have redeemed us.
The Lord says, “I have called you by name.”
Your naming is our true identity,
not the labels we earn or the ones we fear losing.
And God declares: “You are mine.”
We belong to you—not to our achievements, failures, or the opinions of others.
When we feel pressured to pretend or perform,
say to us again, “Do not be afraid.”
When we cling to things that cannot last,
remind us that you created and formed us
for something deeper, truer, and eternal.
When pride drives us to display our goodness,
call us back by name: “You are mine.”
When fear pushes us to hide our flaws,
whisper again, “Fear not.”
The Holy One says, “I have redeemed you.”
Your love defines us.
Your voice steadies us.
Your claim over us is enough. Amen.
Sung Response
“He Knows My Name” Walker
“Who You Say I Am” Fielding, Morgan
“How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” Townend
