Scripture Sentence – Psalm 61:1-2

Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I.

Collect for the Day

Almighty God,
Your Son Jesus Christ
withdrew to the quietness of Bethany
to prepare himself for his passion.
In the fellowship of his suffering,
strengthen us to be more than conquerors
in our trials and temptations,
that whether betrayed by friends
or hurt by enemies,
we may remain steadfast in our faith unto the end;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reading John 15:1, 3-9

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide 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. I 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. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.“

Reflection

If the last few weeks have shown us anything it is that we are not as in control of life as we thought we were. Our mighty modern world with all its advancements and abilities has been brought to a stand still by a tiny microscopic virus. And now in our isolation we feel weak and powerless.

In our daily devotions for Holy Week this year we have been looking at some of the comforting words that Jesus speaks to his disciples just hours before his death. Today’s verses remind us of the blessing that it is to be totally dependant on God. Jesus said, “I 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.” (John 15:5)

An independent branch cannot grow or produce fruit, by itself it can only wither and provide fuel for a fire. But a branch that remains connected to the vine, that lives in dependance on those deep roots, will live and grow and produce much fruit!

A life of dependance on Christ is one that bears the fruit of life, of blessings, and love. Turn to him today and abide in his word, his love, and his will.

Prayer

I need thee every hour,
most gracious Lord;
no tender voice like thine
can peace afford.

I need thee every hour,
in joy or pain;
come quickly, and abide,
or life is vain.

I need thee every hour;
teach me thy will,
and thy rich promises
in me fulfill.

I need thee, O I need thee;
every hour I need thee!
O bless me now, my Savior,
I come to thee.

Amen

I need Thee every hour, Most gracious Lord by Annie S. Hawks b.1872 & Robert Lowry b. 1872