Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Wednesday's Community Prayer reflects on John 15:1-2.

Today's prayer is led by Jade Spears, Director of Mission Integration.

Transcript

Take a moment to quiet yourselves in preparation for community prayer.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In John chapter 15, verses 1-2 we read, ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. He takes away every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and every one that does he prunes so that it bears more fruit.”

This passage teaches that God is the vine grower who cares for us, the branches connected to Christ, the true vine. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own, we cannot develop the fruits of the Holy Spirit unless we remain connected to Him. When we sin, God, in His mercy, removes what is harmful from our lives and offers forgiveness and grace so that we can grow stronger and bear more good fruit. This “pruning” may not always be easy, but it helps us become better and closer to Him.

Because of this, we should not take God’s forgiveness for granted. Instead, we are called to thank Him, trust Him, and continue growing in faith. By staying connected to Him through prayer, worship, and love, we allow Him to shape us into who we are meant to be. God protects and nurtures the good within us, encouraging us to turn away from what leads us astray and to embrace what brings us closer to Him. Without His guidance, we would struggle to grow and flourish.

So we are invited to reflect: How are we connected to the true vine? In what ways is God shaping and guiding our lives?  How does He remove what keeps us from growing? And what might our lives look like without His care and pruning?

These questions remind us to remain rooted in Him, with open hearts, so we can continue to grow and bear good fruit.

Good and gracious God, thank You for caring for us as the vine grower and helping us grow closer to You. Prune away what keeps us from bearing good fruit and fill us with Your grace so we may live with love, faith, and kindness. Help us stay connected to You always. Amen. Jesus, remember me. St. Joseph, pray for us.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.