Pruning the Vine

Yesterday, our Pastor read from John 15:1 "I m the 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." During this reading which i have heard many times, I noticed the pruning, perhaps in your world like mine today, the pruning is painful, often unexplained, and seemingly unnecessary. But knowing that in doing so we will bear more fruit, it makes it tolerable. Let us take this time to thank God for caring enough to prune us.

"Dear Lord, help me to know that when my way seems confused, and the path is choked with briar's, and hardship. When I feel that I have done all I can and it is still not enough, you care enough to prune me, so that I may grow more fruit. That my vine may grow stronger, and that I may branch out in areas I never dreamed possible. Thank you for believing in me, for trusting in me, and for loving me. Help me oh God, help me to trust in you more, to believe in you more, and to grow more fruit for you. - It is in trusting in you that I grow, and you grow in me. Thank you Lord, in your name I pray. Amen"