Vine and Branches

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. 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

Wondrous Creator you bind us together

like branches on a most sturdy vines

we are held in you loving reaching arms

bound to one another through your heart.

You are our roots and our life force

yet we often try to grow on our own

yet you call us to abide and connect

so that our faith and lives are strong.

Bound together in the wind and rain

in the brilliant sunshine and dark night

in every season we abide in your heart

and we are fed again by your abundance.

Keep us from being separated from you

help us to keep your commandments

so that love might be perfected in us

and your joy might fill the whole earth. Amen.