“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
God,
From yesterday we step back a few verses to a familiar fruit packed verse! A sight that all the disciples would have seen – grapes on vines. At the beginning of the chapter You are called the gardener, but more than that, You created the garden. We messed it up and are in awe and wonder that You still choose and love us and want us to be in Your family.
But how often do we link it to the end of the verse -the reminder that without You we can do nothing. You are the vine and we are just little branches. Without you we are just sticks trying hard to be good and do good. It is dry, hard work trying to be a good clean stick without You! But with You we abide in the vine and draw all we need from You, the sap of real life. Ability to bear fruit and the promise of life eternal.
We may not always see fruit. We never know who is watching us to see if our faith is true and if this Jesus life works. We never know who is listening to us talk about praying and that we trust in You. We never know who is seeking for answers to the big questions, looking for You and not able to admit it yet. We may never know who we have helped and it is better sometimes not to know and glory in it!
Help us to just be ourselves, abide in You , trust You, rely on You and not be a dry twig.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
God,
For our family, friends, neighbours, church fellowship. For their health, their well being.
For Kings, rulers and Governments. To be who they should be, righteous, brave and guided by You.
For HRH King Charles for healing – miracle and medical. And for his family.
For HRH Duchess of Cambridge’s continuing recovery.
For our government, Your wisdom in decisions for the many international decisions to be made.
For nations and their rulers and governments to have a desire to make peace, and make it happen.
For Ukraine and Gaza permanent peace. Along with Myanmar, North Korea, Chine, Sudan, Syria.
For Your church here and round the world. For a harvest of new Christians, those called to ministry would have all they need to respond and say Yes. For healing where churches are divided For the ability to serve You safely where they do not have freedom.
For us, our health and well being and a day full of You whatever it holds.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 6th February 2024
You are the Vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You
You are the Vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in You
Then we’ll grow in Your love
And we’ll go in Your Name
That the world will surely know
That You have power to heal and to save
Lyrics: Danny Daniels & Randy Rigby