Suffering and Growth - John 15:1-11; Hebrews 12:4-11

Father you have joined us to Jesus,

Grafted us into the vine.

From eternity past,

You have granted us the privilege of your son abiding in us and with us.

We need nothing else,

You have given us your joy,

And your love,

We ask that we might desire to abide in you.

Of ourselves we seek independence and freedom,

We seek to live apart from the vine,

Keep us abiding,

Give us the strength to abide.

And may your joy be fully manifest in us

For your glory alone,

Amen

Deuteronomy 11:1-32

Father,

May we consider your discipline.

May we remember your greatness, your mighty hand and your outstretched arm.

May we marvel in your deeds of salvation and your deeds of severity.

May we keep your commandments and in so doing experience your strength and your blessing.

Keep us from being deceived and turning aside to other gods.

May we lay up your words in our hearts that our days may be long.

May we be careful to do your commands, 

   Loving you,

   Walking in your ways,

   And holding fast to you;

As we experience your blessing.