The vine

Lord Jesus, thank you for the delicious fruits of the vine:
a bunch of grapes, a packet of raisins, a glass of wine,
made possible by good soil, deep, spreading roots,
careful pruning, sun and rain.

Lord Jesus, the Vine, whose deep roots nourish us,
and from whose branches we receive
comforting grace to love you,
resolution to follow you,
and moral strength to serve you,
prune our malice, greed, vanity and bitterness,
so that we may live to serve you today and every day.

Root us deeply in love for those in need:
in joy that knows you are always with us;
and peace that overcomes hostility, anger and bitterness;
in patience to persevere and kindness in word and action;
and generosity in sharing time, talents and money;
in faithfulness in serving our neighbours;
and gentleness that treats everyone with care and respect;
in self control so that we never cause harm to others.
Christ the Vine, growing in you may we bear much fruit.

This prayer comes from the URC Prayer handbook written by David Batchelor