Presence

I pause for a moment
and reflect on God’s life-giving presence
in every part of my body, in everything around me,
in the whole of my life.

Freedom

I ask for the grace to believe
in what I could be and do
if I only allowed God, my loving Creator,
to continue to create me, guide me and shape me.

Consciousness

Dear Lord, help me to be always
aware of the important things in life,
to care for those around me,
to seek Your presence in everyone I meet.

The Word of God

¹“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. ²He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. ³You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴Abide 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. ⁵I 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. ⁶Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Inspiration

We are called to bear much fruit, and so to become his disciples. Without the branches there will be no fruit on the vine. Like those in the parable of the talents, we are expected by God to use our gifts for the benefit of others and so to be fruitful. Christ needs his apostles and his followers to grow the kingdom of God on earth. Let us pray not to be found wanting in this work.

One doesn’t have to be a gardener to appreciate that the image of the vine and the branches is one of the most powerful for those who seek to have Christ at the centre of their lives. Every breath we take, every step, is only because of God, who holds everything in existence. We ask in humility for a deep appreciation of this and for gratitude.

Conversation

Lord, help me to become quiet and calm enough to hear Your still, small voice. Help me to trust what I hear. Your Word brings comfort, consolation and encouragement. Everything else I let go of.

Conclusion

I thank God for His gift of love
as I go forth with joy and hope
to serve His people.

Amen