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/
