John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer in a Post-Christian Context
~Jeremy Smith
“I am not my own self-made, self-reliant human being.
In truth, O God, I am Yours.
Make me into what You will.
Make me a neighbor with those whom You will.
Guide me on the easy path for You.
Guide me on the rocky road for You.
Whether I am to step up for You or step aside for You;
Whether I am to be lifted high for You or brought low for You;
Whether I become full or empty, with all things or with nothing;
I give all that I have and all that I am for You.
So be it.
And may I always remember that you, O God, and I belong to each other.
Amen.”
“If people mistreat or malign you, bless them. Always speak blessings, not curses. If some have cause to celebrate, join in the celebration. And if others are weeping, join in that as well. Work toward unity, and live in harmony with one another. Avoid thinking you are better than others or wiser than the rest; instead, embrace common people and ordinary tasks. Do not retaliate with evil, regardless of the evil brought against you. Try to do what is good and right and honorable as agreed upon by all people. If it is within your power, make peace with all people.” Romans 12: 14-18
This Sunday, January 5, is Intergenerational worship, and Communion, and the 3Simple Rules 4Kids will receive their bibles! It’s the last Sunday of our worship series “The Gift of Being Present” and this week is “Present with… Assurance”.
I think we all want assurance as the new year and new administration begin. John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer is a reminder of God’s relationship with us. I can’t claim that God is in charge, but I believe that God holds the world, and has the last Word. (But) our United Methodist faith informs us that God’s work on earth is also our work, and so complacency, apathy, and cynicism are not useful in creating and revealing the world God desires. We might rage and despair as the coming years unfold, but we are called to “do what is good and right and honorable… and if it is without our power, make peace with all people”. Yes, I am writing this for myself, because I forget the name (and the promise) of the Child born at Christmas: Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Happy New Year Beloveds!
In faith, Marylee