Prayers of the People: John 15: 1-8

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by John 15:1-8.  It was written by Rev MaryAnn Rennie, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.

Prayer of Intercession
(inspired by John 15:1-8)

Vine of life,
in Your branches we are nestled
taking shelter and sustenance in the shade of Your strength.
With thanksgiving
we celebrate the growth and hope
we have found in placing
our roots in You,
for in life You nourish us
and Your Holy Spirit encourages us
to reach our full potential in the gifts we have been given
that others may know of Your love.

Lord,
make us more than sour grapes and unripe olives.
In the hardships of the world
may we look beyond the bitter politics and divisions
to find Your love
at the core of our relationships.
There may all people work with what we have in common
that we might grow to be a people of respect and trust.

May our branches bow
with the weight of the fruit you have bestowed.
Help us to look beyond our own needs,
to recognise those
who are hungry for food, love and justice.
May we offer others the shelter needed
under the weight of Your branches
so they find a rest from the cold and darkness,
the hatred and loneliness of this world.
Instead may Your Spirit enable us
to value the gifts and talents of all.

May our leaves soak up Your light.
When we meet those who are worn down
with illness, loneliness, grief and abandonment,
may the light of Your presence shine
in the encounters they have with others
that all might know Your compassion.

Gardener of all life,
as You trim and shape us for Your purpose
may we place our prayers into Your hands
and trust that new seeds may grow
from tired and empty thoughts.
Amen.

~ written by Rev MaryAnn Rennie, and posted on the Church of Scotland’s Starters for Sunday website.  http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/