Impulses for the Way: 30 Days on the Camino De SantiagoSample

I Am the True Vine

Start your time with a few deep, silent breaths. When you are ready, tell the Holy Spirit you are here to listen.

Pruning is hard work. In order to grow quality grapes, the vinedresser needs to carefully cut away the broken, diseased, barren branches so what remains is healthy and has room to grow. So it is with life in Jesus. As Barrett says in the video, “If I want to produce good fruit, I have to be willing to see the unhelpful, hurtful ways of me cut off.”

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful” (John 15:1-2, NIV).

Read the passage again and think about the dry, cut branches littering the ground. Take time to consider: Am I willing to see the unhelpful, hurtful parts of me cut off?

Use your feelings and memories to prompt you into conversational prayer with God the Father, the Master Vinedresser. He is listening.

Slowly and thoughtfully say this prayer Barrett shared in the video:

“Lord, it is a new day. The day is for hope. Let me abide in the vine of God, that I might know life. May my fears of the unknown melt away in the goodness of your skillful care. May my joy be made complete in knowing you. Let me delight in what you take away, that I might know new melodies, new memories, new life. Amen.”

Conclude your time by resting in God’s presence and the good work he is doing within you.