Covenant Prayer
A Sonnet of Joyful Surrender
Earlier this week, I had a great conversation with some of our PAX Fellowship Writing Cohort fellows about how we approach ambition and self-promotion as writers. What does it look like to pitch pieces and promote ourselves as part of stewarding our talents while also taking seriously Philippians 2:3-4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
How do we discern (as artists, pastors, businesspeople, or whoever we are) whether our actions are coming from selfish ambition or godly ambition? These are complex and worthwhile questions that, for me, cannot be resolved by dogmatic rules or formulas, but only through a living relationship with God, who knows and guides each of us on our journeys.
One great help to me on my own journey has been John Wesley’s Covenant Prayer (and its modern version), a beautiful prayer of surrender which challenges my pride and comfort with lines like “Let me be… brought low for you” but also forces me to face my insecurities and fears with lines like “Let me be… exalted for you.”
Several years ago, I adapted Wesley’s prayer into a Shakespearian sonnet whose words continue to challenge me and center me in Christ. You can read and listen to my poem below this painting by Bangladeshi artist Nikhil Halder. I pray these offerings of prayer, painting, and poetry are a blessing to you as you begin this new year.
Covenant Prayer
after John Wesley I am no longer mine but wholly yours, so wield me as you will: assign my rank among the great or small; fling wide the doors to honor or humiliation, thanks or accusation—take my hand and lead me through; permit me influence and fame or have me follow you unseen and freed from weights I cannot bear—but let your name be glorified; spare me from suffering or let it shape me; bless or break my plans; extend my days or martyr me; I bring my life into your scarred and sovereign hands. Whatever comes, my heart will rest content for you are mine—your blood my covenant.
Writing as Spiritual Formation Cohort
I’m excited to be leading a new cohort, Writing as Spiritual Formation, for the 2026-2027 PAX Fellowship for Christians of color ages 25-45. We will cover everything from journaling and creative rhythms to pitching and publishing. More details to come!
For now, join the waitlist to be eligible for early registration which opens February 16. Please share this with any writers of color you know who might be interested!
Thank you
Special thanks to First Things’ former poetry editor A. M. Juster for giving me constructive feedback on an earlier (worse) version of this poem that I had submitted to him—a rare and generous gift from any poetry editor. I followed his advice: spent a full month revising the poem, ran it by other poets (thanks Rattle community!), then sent him the version above, which he published.
Finally, thank you for reading! Please reply or comment with any thoughts. I always appreciate hearing back from you.
Beautiful. Captures the tension inherent in creating art with humility and aspirations.