Methodist Churches often observe the Covenant Service during New Year’s Eve, on New Year’s Day itself, or on the first Sunday of the New Year, in order to renew commitment to Christ at the start of the year.
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“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.”
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I wonder if I am bold enough to actually pray this prayer. Perhaps, like Paul, I need to learn by experience first:
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength
and power. Philippians 4:11-13 Living Bible (TLB)
I am learning. Even now, I am learning. God, my Teacher, is good.
As John Wesley says,
“Nothing short of God can satisfy your soul.”
“The best of it is, God is with us.”