In the beginning of each new year, many people make New Year’s Resolutions. Resolutions can go from exceedingly slight changes that you want to make in your life to even major changes in how you conduct your life. Not all resolutions are kept. I have experienced that and I have spoken to many others who had the same experience, and some say because I could not discipline myself to keep my resolutions, I no longer make resolutions. I understand that, but let me suggest something to you that may help you with your resolutions by making a Covenant Resolution for your spiritual growth.
There are many churches within our United Methodist Denomination that have a Watch Night on New Year’s Eve. During the Watch Night Service, which is usually about three hours in length, they include readings from scripture, hymn singing and prayer. During the service there is a part that is called Covenant Renewal, and I would like to suggest to you that one of your resolutions for 2026 is a Covenant Renewal. For us as United Methodists, Covenant Renewals go back into even John Wesley’s preaching time when John would preach about the “Application of the Whole” which is considered the first real celebration of the Covenant Renewal within the Methodist movement. John preached that we need to have a rich and meaningful expression before God. This is a time of remarkable blessing and occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences in a time when we experience the manifestation of God’s grace; a time when God helps us with not backsliding and a time where we can commit ourselves to be more supportive of others on their spiritual journey. Overtime we as united Methodists have taken the Covenant Prayer of John Wesley and updated it in its language so that we might fully live out the Covenant that we are making with God through Jesus Christ and with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
I would suggest to you that if you are willing to make a Covenant with our Creator God and with the intent of fulfilling that Covenant throughout 2026, working with one or more of the Spiritual Disciplines, this can be your resolutions for 2026.
Begin by reciting the Covenant Prayer: O God, searcher of all our hearts, you have formed us as a people and claimed us as your own. As we come to acknowledge your sovereignty and grace, and to enter into a new covenant with you, remove any reluctance or falsehood within us. Let your Spirit impress your truth on our inmost being, and receive us in mercy, for the sake of our Mediator, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Spiritual Disciplines are those practices that are found in scripture that promotes spiritual growth within a follower of Jesus Christ. Spiritual Disciplines fall into two main categories: The first is abstinence or self-denial which includes solitude, silence, fasting, Sabbath, secrecy, and submission. The second category of disciplines is engagement and include bible reading, worship, prayer, soul friendship, personal reflection, and service. It is not practical to engage yourself in each of these disciplines with emphasis all the time. I would suggest that you select one from each of the two categories and strive to make them practices during a month’s period of time. After the first month and continuing monthly thereafter, select one discipline from each of the two categories and focus upon them for that month reviewing the previous month (s) as you build your spiritual practices.
There are other spiritual disciplines that I will be introducing to you in a few months’ time. Our goal is a goal that I quite often speak to when someone asks me the question: How can I become more spiritual or find myself closer to God? My answer is that we need to find ways (Practices) that can bring us into a closer contact with God.
It is my prayer that you will begin 2026 with this challenge of Covenant Renewal. I will be challenging myself with practicing these Spiritual Disciplines each month and as the year goes along, my plan is to introduce to you additional disciplines that we might continue our Covenant Renewal for all of 2026.
I pray that you will find that John Wesley’s Covenant Renewal enriches your spiritual walk with almighty God, blessed by Jesus and directed by the Holy Spirit.
Happy New Year!
Pastor Gary
Claybanks United Methodist Church 