The Whatever Prayer

To come to those words of the John Wesley Covenant Prayer which bring to expression the words, "Let me be full, let me be empty," is a way of declaring the eternal "whatever."  It is another way of saying what the hymn expresses as it says, "Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well.  It is well with my soul."  It takes us to that great affirmation of faith declared by the Apostle Paul when he wrote, "...I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty.  In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need."  (Philippians 4:11-12).  

It is no easy thing to declare that being full or empty is unimportant.  Remember, too, this is not just a word about a bulging bank account or one so thin it is nearly non-existent.  It can also be a reference to our inner life.  Being full can be an expression of a heart that is overflowing with spiritual blessings.  It can be a way of speaking of a life that is so full of God's presence that glory seems to be shining upon us all the time.  On the other hand, being empty can be an expression of a soul that seems as dry as desert wind and God seems as inaccessible as water in a desert well filled only with sand.  

To pray these words of the Covenant Prayer speaks of our sticking with God regardless of what comes. Whatever comes, whatever is our lot, we are still going to be one who raises hands in praise and remains grateful for the goodness of God.  Whatever, Lord.  I am Yours.