Not everyone in our congregation has a Methodist background. In fact, I think it would be fair to say that a majority of our folks don’t, which only adds to the richness of our church. But on occasion, I like to offer you something from the history of the Methodist Church, more specifically from the writing and thinking of John Wesley.
In the 18th century, at the beginning of the Methodist movement in England, Wesley expected the people called “Methodists” to pray a prayer at the beginning of each new year as a way of remembering and renewing their covenant or commitment to God (and God’s covenant with them). It has since become known as the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer.
As we leave 2023 and open ourselves to what God has in mind for us in 2024 — both individually and collectively — I thought you might want to join me in praying this prayer. I’ve edited it a bit to make the language a little more modern.
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 glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
you are mine, and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.
Much love in this new year!
Pastor Gregg
