We have been writing reflections based on the scripture passage, John 15:1-15 and its theme, Abiding in the Vine. We are taking one verse per week and invite you to join us in first meditating and digesting this passage slowly using lectio divina and then read the reflection. Our writers will be sharing testimony of how this scripture has impacted their lives personally.
For those new to our community, lectio divina is a traditional monastic practice of engaging with Scripture not just for intellectual understanding but to allow the Word of God to speak to the heart and transform our lives. It involves prayerfully reading the scripture four times, pausing to notice the following:
Read the verse and listen for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights for you.
Read the verse and ask the question, how is my life touched by this word? What in my life needs to hear this word?
Read the verse and ask what is my response to God because of what I have read and encountered? What am I feeling, talk to God about it, listen to Him, feel His uninterrupted love and attention toward you and follow His lead in any way He is prompting you to respond.
Read and rest in the Word and resolve to live it out.
Listen:
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” (John 15:9 NIV)
Reflect:
As the Father has loved me…..Wow!
How does the Father love Jesus? With the purest, most amazing, deepest love ever. Father God (who is love), loves Jesus. Jesus, the beloved Son, who is one with Him. A love above and beyond everything. Infinite beyond infinity. Eternal beyond eternity.
And Jesus says….”so have I loved you.”
In the same way, with the same depth and magnitude….
“Now!”, says Jesus, “Stay right there! In my love.”
This love doesn’t run out, take offence or let us down. This love holds us.
Perhaps you know the song…Jesus’ love is very wonderful. So high you can’t get over it, so low you can’t get under it, so wide you can’t get round it. Oh wonderful love.
Yet sometimes we just don’t get it! As we worry about our family, friends, and communities wracked by famine and war, we focus on the trouble and forget that God is love and He loves us.
So much I don’t understand, the world is a scary place, but I can know that I am loved and that those I pray for are loved.
I hear Jesus saying, “Remain in my love, dear one, I love you. I too weep for the world.”
Prayer of Response:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for forgetting how much you love me and how much you love those I worry about.I think about your love now, and I ask that you heal…………………… bring comfort to…………………that you would help…………………… find a way forwards. I lift to you……………………………………………. please bless them Lord. Help them to know your love. I ask that you stem the tide of evil, hold back those who bomb and maim and kill. Raise up peace makers. Bless and protect aid workers.
Questions to Ponder:
- How stressed are you? What are the different things that cause you worry or fear?
- Can you be really honest with God?
The Holy Spirit reminds us of Jesus’ words….you might ask Him to speak directly or to remind you of the Bible verses you need to hear.
Breath Prayer:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Jesus loves me,
Exhale (Breathe out): Jesus loves me.
—Submitted by: Elaine Davis
A grandmother, living in Leamington Spa, UK near to two of my children and their families who need love and support but not advice. When time allows, I enjoy being creative, keeping up with old friends, and making new ones. Grateful for the gift of prayer.