Each year, Methodists across the world pray John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer as they enter the new year. John Wesley adapted the Covenant Prayer from the Puritan practices that shaped his parents and life. It became central to his teaching and to the life of early Methodists, who prayed it each new year to renew their baptismal covenant. The prayer reminds us what it means to follow Jesus—to deny ourselves, take up the cross, and live with a heart full of love for God and neighbor.
When we pray it, we remember our baptism and renew our promise to resist evil, trust God’s grace, and serve Christ in the world. It describes a way of life shaped by self-giving love and faithful discipleship—something we can only live out together in community. Just as the early Methodists encouraged one another in small groups, we too need the support of others to live this prayer daily.
Covenant Prayer
“I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
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 thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
