Covenant Prayer

I was  cleaning out and organizing old files this afternoon because, a) my “filing system” is a haphazard and chaotic mess that is often hopelessly difficult to navigate and locate anything in; and b) because it provided me with the illusion of usefulness and productivity as I avoided the sermon that seems not to want to come.

Among my more pleasant discoveries this afternoon, amidst innumerable useless documents and files and folders that I haven’t opened in years, was this “covenant prayer.”  I have no idea where it comes from or how I happen to be in possession of it, but it is a good prayer, a good challenge, a good aspiration for me on this day.  Perhaps for you, too.

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

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 forever.

Amen.