Introductory Note:
Originally published in the booklet “Path to Life,” this short piece on the Renovaré Covenant celebrates the spiritual transformation that comes through our truly hearing and obeying Christ’s call to “Follow me.”
If you’ve never signed the Renovaré Covenant, you may discover that it can serve as a wonderful pledge of intention in your life with God. Visit our covenant page if you feel led to take that step.
Or, to learn more about the history of the Renovaré Covenant, you’ll want to check out two pieces written by folks who were there at its inception: Legacy and Invitation (by Richella Parham) and A Place to Stand (by Richard Foster).
Renovaré Team
One phrase above all others stands out in the Gospels as characteristic of Jesus: “Follow me.” Time and again, Jesus commanded people, called people, and invited people to walk in his steps. That same invitation is addressed to us today. Accepting Christ’s call means making a clear decision to shape our lives around his life and teaching — a deliberate, intentional commitment. Renovaré expresses this commitment through the Renovaré Covenant:
In utter dependence on Jesus Christ as our ever-living Savior, Teacher, Lord, and Friend, we will seek continual renewal through spiritual exercises, spiritual gifts, and acts of service.
Fulfilling this Covenant requires us to develop an overall pattern of living through incorporating biblical practices into our lives that open us to the grace and presence of God. These disciplines of the spiritual life include prayer and solitude, study and service, worship and confession, and more. In Renovaré, we commit ourselves to six Common Disciplines. Each Discipline is given in general terms so that each person can interpret and implement them based on their personal circumstances.
Renovaré’s Common Disciplines
A Prayer-Filled Life. By God’s grace, we will set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading and will seek to practice the presence of God.
A Virtuous Life. By God’s grace, we will strive mightily against sin and will do deeds of love and mercy.
A Spirit-Empowered Life. By God’s grace, we will welcome the Holy Spirit, exercising the gifts and nurturing the fruit while living in the joy and power of the Spirit.
A Compassionate Life. By God’s grace, we will endeavor to serve others everywhere we can and will work for justice in all human relationships and social situations.
A Word-Centered Life. By God’s grace, we will share our faith with others as God leads and will study the Scriptures regularly.
A Sacramental Life. By God’s grace, we will joyfully seek to show forth the presence of God in all that we are, in all that we do, in all that we say.
We would like to invite you to join us on the Path to Life by committing yourself to the Renovare Covenant: a commitment to intentionally pursue life in Christ with all that is in you. You may want to use the prayer below when first making this covenant with God. You might also find it helpful to use the prayer periodically to renew your commitment, either with others who have also made this covenant or by yourself.
The Renovaré Covenant Prayer
O Lord, you have made me for yourself,
and my heart is restless until it finds its rest in you.
I long to know you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly.
So I commit myself utterly to you in the words of this Covenant:
In utter dependence upon Jesus Christ
as my ever-living Savior, Teacher, Lord, and Friend,
I will seek continual renewal
through spiritual exercises, spiritual gifts,
and acts of service.
Take, Lord, and receive
all I am, all I have, and all I possess.
You gave all to me; to you, Lord, I return all.
I am wholly yours; do with me what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace, for that is all I ask, and all I desire.
Amen.
