New year, renewed commitment

A "covenant renewal" service, that is, a fresh commitment between believers and God, has been a hallmark of Wesleyanism from almost its inception. Wesley held the first service for this purpose on August 11, 1755, based on material from a book by the Puritan Richard Alleine. Over the next few years, Wesley adapted the order and content, holding worship in different parts of Britain and at different times of the year. Among the Methodist societies of London, it was celebrated between the night of December 31 and the early morning of January 1, as a way to start the year committed anew to the lordship of Christ.

Here we share an excerpt—the heart of the renewed covenant—from the second version published by Wesley. Our prayer is that for you, your family, and your church, the coming year will be filled with the blessings that only come from a life hidden in Christ.

Christ has many services to be done: some are easy, others are difficult; some bring honour, others bring reproach; some are suitable to our natural inclinations and material interests, others are contrary to both; in some we may please Christ and please ourselves; in others we cannot please Christ except by denying ourselves. Yet the power to do all these things is given to us in Christ, who strengthens us. Therefore let us make this covenant of God our own. Let us give ourselves to him, trusting in his promises and relying on his grace.

Eternal God, in your faithful and enduring love you call us to share in your gracious covenant in Jesus Christ.
In obedience we hear and accept your commands; in love we seek to do your perfect will; with joy we offer ourselves anew to you.
We are no longer our own but yours.
I am no longer my own but yours.
Your will, not mine, be done in all things, wherever you may place me, in all that I do and in all that I may endure;
when there is work for me and when there is none;
when I am troubled and when I am at peace.
Your will be done when I am valued and when I am disregarded;
when I find fulfilment and when it is lacking;
when I have all things, and when I have nothing.
I willingly offer all I have and am to serve you, as and where you choose. Glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. May it be so for ever.
Let this covenant now made on earth be fulfilled in heaven.
Amen.