Tuesday September 8, 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.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything that you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23

Today I want you to focus on the word, “guard.” That which we most highly value is also what we most strongly defend which means that “guarding your heart” begins with appropriately valuing the vitality of your heart. It’s less about building a wall around it, but instead ensuring that the right things are welcomed there.

Do you know the worth of your heart? Do we know how much God values our hearts?

As a way of honoring how highly God values you, I want to invite you to spend a few quiet moments reflecting on two questions today.

What are the specific things that bring life to your heart?

What specific things diminish the health of your heart?

Think about the entirety of your life as you consider those questions – your practices, your relationships, and other sources you are allowing to “speak” into your life.

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.