The new year is just around the corner, and as you think about what this season will bring, let me offer you a prayer that has helped me to mark such occasions.
Our spiritual founder, John Wesley, had the habit of starting every new year with what has come to be called the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer. The words and images are rich and deep, with a spirit of surrender and obedience. I commend it to you. But take care! It may change your life, and I hope it will. Let us see what God can do.
As we begin a new year together, may this be our prayer:
Almighty God,
With joy I take upon myself the yoke of obedience.
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,
praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your hope and service.
And now, O glorious and blessed God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
you are mine, and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be made also in heaven. Amen.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Brad
