I have stated in several past posts that I have been working my way through this book on those who had an influence on A. W. Tozer. I have to admit that Tozer had some strange “bedfellows,” people I am not sure I would read or even hang around. Not that they are all bad. It is just that, well…they write some really strange things. But the purpose of this post is not to reveal that kind of stuff. Instead, I want to copy what is called “Wesley’s Covenant Prayer.” Two words:
H.A.N.G. O.N!!!!!!!
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 are mine, and I am thine.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
I won’t hide from you. That first line about did me in. “I am no longer my own, but yours.” Yeah, I know. That is should be the prayer of every Christ-follower every day. And while I might say it…I can’t say I always live it. Far from it.
This is short today because I have to go lick my wounds. 🙂 What part of this prayer “hit you where it hurts?” I would love to hear the different ways people were touched by it.
Coming from the Church of the Nazarene, I’m very familiar with this prayer.
I really enjoy the line let me be full, let me be empty. There’s such a beautiful dichotomy in those lines.
Since that is not my tradition, Michael, I was not at all familiar with it. That is also one of my favorite lines. Thanks.
I was not familiar with this prayer either – but as with Michael – I am hit by this line and the one that follows:
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing
This seriously speaks to me!
Thanks Bill!
Us un-Wesleyan types are going to have trouble. 🙂 Thanks Jim. Only 5 days till Sticks!
lol
this prayer shows me that when I surrender to God – and then actually let go – that He can put me wherever He wants. Use me however He wants. Whenever He wants.
I have these ideas about what I think I want to do or what would be good for me…and His perspective is so much bigger than mine…
I have to remember that just because I may end up in a different place than where I thought I’d be – that all is ok because I’m where God wants me to be. And I need to be ok with that 🙂
That is a good way to summarize the prayer Craig. I need to keep this perspective. Thanks.
Hi Bill,
Wesley’s Covenant Prayer reminds me of Paul the apostle. This prayer could certainly be said about Paul.
I think what speaks to me in this prayer is the surrender to the will of God that men like Wesley found themselves. I think that this is what it takes to have an impactful life on others for godliness.
Doing things that the world will not or cannot do. Bending our knee to something greater than ourselves.
I agree Linda this could be Paul’s prayer. I have no doubt Wesley’s influence came as a result of his surrender. Thanks for a good comment.
Amen. So be it. I haven’t heard this prayer either, but it is powerful. Thanks for sharing, Bill.
You’re welcome Jason. My reaction was the same as yours. Thanks for the comment.
The job one kicked me in the male parts.
I can see why. Still praying that will change. Thanks for being honest Jason.
“rank me with whom you will.”
I wish God let me pick who I ranked with. Because I’d probably pick some of the top tier people in the world. But he doesn’t. Great post, Bill.
You and me both Seth. But God’s sense of humor constantly keeps me on the alert. Thanks Seth for coming by.
Love it Bill! Had never aeen it before. Ratified…so be it. Thank you!
Glad you liked it Tom. Good to hear from you. Thanks for coming by.
I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.
That one hit me. Something much easier said than done.
Most definitely Jon. Thanks for visiting. how is your job search coming along?
The part that hit me was “Exalted for you or brought low for you.”
I am currently reading a book titled Faith Despite the KGB and I read how people were willing to brought low for Christ in prison. They described the kingdom of God as important than anything in this world and even more than their lives. My prayer to God is that my heart lives by what my mouth says and for every reader of this blog.
Sounds like a good book Mercy with a powerful message. Good prayer to have also. Thanks for the comment.
What hit me the most is, “I freely and heartily yield all things to your pleasure and disposal.” So often I can hold onto things for myself. It’s only when I fully let those areas go that God can come closer into my life. Great post today!
Oh man you speak truth here Dan. So hard to let go of things sometimes. But the reward is tremendous if we do! Thanks for coming by.
>>>”Let me be full, let me be empty.”
That resonates with me. Reminds me to be grateful for all seasons of life and remember that no matter my circumstances, God is with me.
That is a good one also Dustin. It is a good reminder for sure. Good to hear from you.