Remain

REMAIN

Wherever you are, remember you are in God’s loving presence. Close your eyes to dismiss any distractions. Open your hands as a way of doing with your body what you long for your heart and soul to do. Breathe in deeply and out slowly to relax your mind and your heart.

a prayer to open

Open me to your love, Lord.

In your great mercy, open me to your love.

I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. . . . Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For . . . you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!

Lectio Divina #1

Read today’s passage slowly and out loud. Pay attention to the word or phrase that stands out to you.

• What do you sense God is saying to you through that word or phrase? Take a minute to listen.

Lectio Divina #2

Read today’s passage a second time, again slowly and out loud. Listen for what invitation God may be extending to you through the word or phrase you identified.

• How does the word or phrase apply to your life right now? Take a minute to listen.

Lectio Divina #3

Read today’s passage for a third time, and then enter into a conversation with God. Remember that you are in his loving presence. Present your questions, concerns, resistance, and repentance.

• What most often keeps you from spending time with Jesus?
• What is God saying to you about how you spend your time?

Loving God, thank you for pouring out your love to me and for me and in me.

Thank you for loving me. I am yours. Amen and amen.