For some 260 plus years, the people called Methodist have marked the beginning of a New Year as a time of renewal, a time to recommit ourselves to the principles and values of our faith, a time to “covenant” with God. On Sunday, January 3rd, we take part in a service, very similar to the one our ancestors in the faith have used and we will recite the prayer that thousands of Methodists have used time and again:
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 for 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.
I invite you to use this prayer throughout the year as a reminder of our covenant with God. I hope you will join us by Facebook Live, Radio, or in person to renew our covenant together.
Pastor Tom Greener
Sunday Scripture
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12
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