“I am the true vine, and my Abba God is the vinegrower.
God removes every branch in me that bears no fruit.
Every branch that bears fruit
God prunes to make it bear more fruit.”
—John 15.1-2
Loving God, Vinegrower of Life,
I bring to mind with gratitude those ways you bear fruit in me,
where your grace blossoms into blessing.
Receive my thanks.
. . .
Wise vinedresser, show me what in me does not bear fruit,
what impedes the flow of your grace in me:
fears and resentments, desires, habits and attachments
that do not bear the fruit of your love,
dead branches that no longer serve you.
Help me see.
. . .
God of mercy, prune me with your grace.
Help me release all that does not bear fruit,
and let go of what diminishes your love in me.
Help me repent.
. . .
God of peace, help me trust your spirit flowing in me,
blossoming forth with your glory,
bearing the fruit of your presence.
Help me love.
. . .
Amen.
—April 25, 2018