God, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) promises full salvation now and in the world to come. We believe and promise to live in alignment with God’s promise. Thus, we make a “covenant” God.
New Year’s Day, in the Wesleyan tradition, is a moment to “renew the covenant.” John Wesley wrote the first covenant service in 1755. The heart of the service is the “covenant prayer.” I invite you to renew your covenant by repeating the prayer in your heart.
Let us, therefore, go to Christ, and pray:
Let me be your servant, under your command.
I will no longer be my own.
I will give up myself to your will in all things.
Be satisfied that Christ shall give you your place and work (ministry).
Lord, make me what you will.
I put myself fully into your hands:
put me to doing, put me to suffering,
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and with a willing heart
give it all to your pleasure and disposal.
