Prayer Prompt March 20

SCRIPTURE

John 15:1-2  Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, to make it bear even more.”

REFLECTION

Pruning.  Now is a time for pruning; this end of the Winter season before the Spring season is in full bloom.  I’ve been walking around the Japanese maple tree in my front yard and the one in my back yard, looking at them, and determining where to prune. Plant experts impart the wisdom of pruning based on the 5 D’s of removing the dead, dying, diseased, damaged and deformed and the 3 C’s of pruning the crowded, crossing and competing branches. Pruning involves selectively cutting back parts of a plant to maintain its health, shape and promote better growth, and helping it to bear more fruit.

Spiritual expert Jesus, the Christ, tells us there are two kinds of God-pruning that goes on in our lives. They are: 1) branches that bear no fruit, and 2) branches that do bear fruit so they will bear even more fruit.  This season of Lent is a valuable time for paying attention to pruning, especially that second kind of pruning.  In this condition we are bearing fruit, but have we settled for that fruit we’re producing being good enough?  Is God calling us to more?  Are we called to bear even more fruit than we thought we could?

PRAYER

God, our Father, help me recognize your pruning hand in my life and be willing to accept it.  I confess to knowing that I do need pruning from what is in my life of the dead, dying, diseased, damaged, deformed, crowded, crossed and competing.  Remove whatever unnecessary branches and twigs prevent me from bearing all the fruit you are wanting me to bear for your kingdom here on earth.  Help me truly, deeply, spiritually understand that pruning encourages more growth even if it seems to hurt.

Amen

• Mary K. Widener