I just began reading a book entitled “Becoming a Blessed Church: Forming a Church of Spiritual Purpose, Presence, and Power” by N. Graham Standish.  Sometimes when I read books I skip over the Forwards and, definitely the acknowledgments.  I decided to read these and found inspiration in each.  In the acknowledgements the author mentioned being a member of the Vineyard Guild, which is an organization supporting and encouraging those who desire to be spiritual directors and to help develop spiritually alive congregations.  He then closed his acknowledgments with what they call the Vineyard Prayer. 

I was intrigued by this and went to the website for the Vineyard Guild and they had a page on the prayer which included the picture of a grapevine in Israel along with the prayer.  I have included that picture and now am including their prayer as I believe it is a very meaningful prayer and wanted to share it with you.

 

Holy God - Beloved Trinity -
let me always be rooted in you
so that I may live in you and you in me.

Bless me so that your grace may flow through me,
allowing me to bear your fruit
to a hungry and helpless world.

As I wander, prune me of all
that inhibits your growth in me.

Let me do nothing apart from you
so that your joy may be complete in me.

In Christ's name I pray. Amen.