Friday September 18, 2020

Begin this new day by praying this prayer out loud. As you are able, consider kneeling as a physical expression of your commitment to Jesus as Lord of your life and the one you desire to lead you this day. Alternatively, you might consider placing a hand over your heart as you pray this 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.

The Wesley Covenant Prayer was written by Rev. John Wesley, the 18th century Anglican priest who was the founder of the Methodist Movement.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

Reading this invitation of Jesus, we assume he is speaking of a yoke joining oxen, something burdensome. There is a different perspective on “the yoke”. The yoke that people used to carry water jars, etc. was actually an instrument of convenience. Before the yoke, people had to carry heavy burdens one at a time on their backs or in their hands. The yoke made the work lighter.

Jesus is offering us a way to carry our burdens easier. He wants us to pick up His yoke, especially made for us. No more aching backs or tired and calloused hands. No more overseers demanding we do more with less.

Learn from Jesus how to carry our burdens. Learn how to find rest in our lives with a yoke that is gentle, to serve a gentle and humble master.

What yoke do we need to exchange for Jesus’ yoke?

When you are finished with your time of reflection, close out this time with this prayer.

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ my Lord. AMEN.