7Minutes4Jesus

 

5th Sunday

of Easter

(10th may 2009)

 

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

SILENCE

WORSHIP

SCRIPTURE READING

MEDITATION

BY HEART

INTERCESSION

COVENANT PRAYER

 

SCRIPTURE READING: John 10:11-18

 

“Jesus said to his disciples: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that bears no fruit he cuts away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes to make it bear even more.  You are pruned already, by means of the word that I have spoken to you.  Make your home in me, as I make mine in you.  As a branch cannot bear fruit all by itself, but must remain part of the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.  I am the vine and you are the branches.  Whoever remains in me, with me in him, bears fruit in plenty; for cut off from me you can do nothing…

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.       What is the connection between the vine and the branches?  Would the branches live without being attached to the vine?  What is the role of the vine? 

2.       What is the task of the vinedresser?  What are the branches supposed to do?  What happens if they do it?  What happens if they don’t? 

3.       What is the condition for the branches to bear fruit?    

 

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

In the beginning, the Pencil Maker spoke to the pencil saying, "There are 5 things you need to know before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and you will become the best pencil you can be."

 

    “You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but this is required if you are to become a better pencil. You have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make. You, the most important part of you will always be what's inside. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the situation”.

The pencil understood, promising to remember, and went into the box fully understanding its Maker's purpose.

-          Are we willing to be held in God’s hands?

-          Are we willing to be sharpened our trials and difficulties?

-          Are we willing to correct our mistakes?

-          Are we willing to look more at what is inside?

-          Are we willing to write no matter the conditions?

 

 

Intercessions:

1.       For leaders of the church, that they may remain in Jesus and bear fruits of love, peace, joy with perseverance. 

2.       For leaders of nations and governments, that they may be uphold the dignity of every human person and ensure peace in the land.

3.       For children and youth everywhere, that parents and teachers may know and nurture the wonders and talents in the young by their loving examples

4.       For the sick and dying, that they may be comforted and strengthened by the Jesus, the true vine.

5.       For those who have died, that their souls may rest in peace and be in the presence of the God of mercy and compassion

6.       For all of us, that we may open our hearts to the guidance of God in our lives so as to be His instruments in the world 

 

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen