Wesley Covenant Service
In 1775, John Wesley introduced a covenant service as an important part of spiritual life in Methodist Societies.
This renewal service was a time to annually gather in a season of self-examination, reflection, and dedication,
wholly giving themselves and renewing a covenant with God. Repentance through confession and commitment
were key focuses of the service.
A covenant is a formal relationship
of faithfulness between you and God.
God offers this covenant as a gift of God’s love.
Be honest with yourself! Have you in the past, or can you freely in the present make a commitment to God in Christ?
- First, name your sins to yourself and whether you are ready to give them up. Compare and contrast your behaviors with the ways of God— God’s holiness, God’s boundaries, and the spiritual ways of God. Are you prepared to accept God’s ways as your ways?
- Second, take your commitment to God as the highest, most serious priority of your life.
- Third, embrace this special relationship with God called a ‘covenant.’ Depend on God’s promise to give you grace (that is, unconditional love and acceptance) and strength in order to remain faithful to this special relationship. Do not trust in your own strength. It will fail. Trust only in God’s strength.
- Fourth, be determined to keep your promise to God. Having given your heart to God, your mouth to praise God, and your hands to serve God, decide today to never go back.
- Fifth, now that you’ve prepared to make this covenant in the most serious way possible, give your heart to the Lord as if God were standing right here in front of you now…
PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE
by Bass Mitchell
AFFIRMATION FOR THE NEW YEAR
by Christine Sine
Liturgist - Jane Florer
Music
Lynne Miller, Piano
Hymns:
Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine, # 606
Fill My Cup, Lord, #641
O God, Our Help in Ages Past, #117