Wednesday in Easter Week

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:1-11 

O Loving Creator, source and vine

we are dependent on you and one another

all of live is designed to be connected

yet we often think ourselves alone.

You have promised us great abundance

if we but abide in your love daily

you love feeds and sustains everyone

yet we would pull away from your heart.

You gave up all so all might thrive

you suffered horrible pain and death

that we might be a  part of your love

help us to keep your commandments.

Let love be our sign and our only work

make our hands and hearts for service

bind us and weave us into your people

let love flourish and bear fruit today. Amen.