Covenant of Grace (website only)

I am no longer mine but yours,
Your will, not mine, be done in all,
When I succeed or when I fail
Help me to listen to your call.

When there is work, or when there's none,
When I am troubled or at peace,
When I am valued or ignored,
I'll serve you as and where you please.

Whether fulfilled, or lacking goals,
When I am sad, or spirit soars,
I offer you all that I have,
For you are mine and I am yours.

Words and music © Barbara Honeyball Young

Metre 88.88

Download Barbara's setting as a PDF

Ideas for use

Within the annual Methodist covenant service (see below), though it is not suggested that the spoken Covenant Prayer be replaced by this setting, a congregation may choose to sing Barbara's hymn as well as saying the prayer. What the setting does offer, however, is the possibility of using these words at other appropriate times, such as services of recommitment for particular roles or projects. The hymn may also be found suitable when remembering the conversion and ministry of the Wesley brothers.

More information

Barbara's hymn is a metered version of the Methodist Covenant Prayer that begins "'I am no longer my own but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will..." The covenant service was established by John Wesley in 1755. Traditionally, it is held at the beginning of January, though nowadays some congregations hold a Covenant Service in September, at the outset of the new Church year.

For a freer, more expansive, setting of the Covenant Prayer, try Andrew Orton's No longer my own but yours.

You can read more about the Methodist covenant service and explore other hymns associated with the service or echoing its themes in Hymns for covenant or renewal.