Monday September 14, 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

The first sentence in this passage is like a breath of fresh air. Then, in the next, we often trip over the word “yoke.” It feels uncomfortable.

A yoke could represent the crossbar between a pair of scales or a crossbar coupling two work animals. In Old Testament scripture, a yoke represented bondage, imbalance and heavy burdens.

Jesus uses the word “yoke” as a metaphor to grab our attention and invite us into a new way of living. The yoke Jesus invites us to is not bondage but discipleship. Jesus says, “Come to me” and “learn from me.”

Jesus shares our burdens and equips us to live our lives the way God designed life to be lived.

How does Jesus describe his heart in this passage?

How might being yoked with someone with this kind of heart impact your heart today?

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.