Covenant

As this essay automatically posts itself, my family and I are at our local outpost of the Christian Movement renewing our covenant to serve Jesus the Messiah. This deeply meaningful ceremony was originated back in the mid-1700's by John Wesley, main founder of Methodism, the particular stream of Christianity I call home.

One of the main reasons I'm attached to Methodism is this ceremony and what is called the "Covenant Prayer," written by Wesley. Its taproot is sunk deep into the ancient Faith of the saints and it sums up -- for me at least -- the absolute, joyful, radical abandonment to Christ's will that is at the core of Christian life.

Even if you aren't Methodist though, I think you'll find this Renewal Prayer is the ideal foundation upon which to set all your other New Years Resolutions.

Covenant Prayer 

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 heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
   you art mine,
      and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
   let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.

To me, this is the place to build New Year's resolutions.