A famous Anglican ministry in his day and ours, John Wesley‘s ministry, the accompanying revivals, and the subsequent rise of Methodism all combined to reshape the church in the English speaking world. For that alone Wesley would be worth remembering. But when you add in his impressive theological contributions and social efforts, his life becomes even more notable.

 

John Wesley died on March 2, 1791, fifty-three years after the famous Aldersgate experience that shaped his approach to Christian life and ministry. In honor of his amazing life and impact, today’s prayer comes from him.

 

Forgive them all, O Lord:

our sins of omission and our sins of commission;

the sins of our youth and the sins of our riper years;

the sins of our souls and the sins of our bodies;

our secret and our more open sins;

our sins of ignorance and surprise,

…..and our more deliberate and presumptuous sins;

the sins we have done to please others;

the sins we know and remember,

…..and the sins we have forgotten;

the sins we have striven to hide from others

…..and the sins by which we have made others offend;

 

forgive them, O Lord,

forgive them all for his sake,

…..who died for our sins and rose for our justification,

…..and now stands at thy right hand to make intercession for us,

Jesus Christ our Lord.