Covenant Sunday

Our faithful response

At the beginning of each new year, we invite people linked to The Salvation Army to commit the year ahead to God and live in covenant with him.

A covenant is a commitment to a faithful relationship. God is loving and faithful and, in response, we are invited to love him and love others, to put our faith in him and walk with him each day.

Covenant Sunday is an opportunity to formally respond to this invitation. Corps across the territory will hold special worship meetings, usually at the beginning of January, where covenant cards are provided for people to sign.

‘A covenant is a relationship between two partners who make binding promises to each other and work together to reach a common goal. They’re often accompanied by oaths, signs and ceremonies. Covenants define obligations and commitments, but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal.’ (Whitney Woollard, The Bible Project)

Learn more about covenants with The Bible Project

A prayer of commitment

Father God, as I have committed myself today to living in covenant with you, I ask first that you will forgive me those times when I have failed to keep my promises. I thank you that you are a God who forgives and who keeps on forgiving. Help me to receive your forgiveness today.

Father, I thank you that as Jesus entered the Most Holy Place, he did so in order for me to have a conscience cleansed, and that I can enjoy the promised eternal inheritance into the future and today as I work out my calling here on Earth.

I thank you, Lord, that Jesus’ death has set me free in order to live a life of freedom, experiencing something of the fullness of life which you have promised to us.

I thank you that even in the midst of the pain and suffering of the past year, you are alongside me, helping me to make it through each day. I pray now for those people known to me who continue to find these times a struggle. Help them to see a glimmer of your presence in their lives.

Father, I thank you that when you saved me you also called me to service. Help me to work out what serving the living God looks like for me. Help me to live the life of holiness to which you call me, to serve others in such a way that they cannot fail to be pointed to you.

Father, on this day I commit myself to living in covenant with you. I know that you will never fail to hold your side of the covenant I make today. Help me to be faithful to what I promise this day.

I pray this prayer in the precious name of Jesus.

Amen.