The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Hundreds of years ago, John Wesley adapted a prayer from the Puritan tradition now called the Wesley Covenant Prayer. It’s a prayer of renewal and surrender. As I watch the sun peak over the trees beyond the water, I am reminded all things are safe and secure in the hands of God.
No matter the circumstances
or how I’m feeling
wherever the path leads
or what this year may bring
God uses it all to
teach me
guide me
lead me
in the everlasting way.
I invite you to reflect on these ancient prayer words.
I am no longer my own but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering;
Let me be employed by you, or laid aside for you,
Exalted for you, or brought low for you;
Let me be full,
Let me be empty,
Let me have all things,
Let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
You are mine and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth
let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
May your day be blessed with the assurance that God is holding all things safe and secure in the palm of his hands. I pray you discover
how high,
how wide,
how deep
God’s love for you is.
Happy New Year friends!
If you are feeling led to go deeper with this prayer, you might:
- Write this prayer on a notecard and put it in a place where you can see it each morning in January.
- Pause at the end of each phrase and notice where your thoughts lead. Then talk to God about your thoughts.
- Write the prayer in your own words.
- Consider which phrase stirs fear or worry, and be curious. Ask yourself why you feel this way.
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