Jesus told his disciples that apart from him, they could do nothing. Is that really true? For many, it’s hard to believe. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us agree to rejoice in this day. I invite you to get a Bible – in print or electronic – and start working through all or part of the prayers, scripture reading, questions, and devotional reading below. May the Lord bless you as you do so. And may the Spirit of God work in each of us to shape us to be a little more like Jesus, today.

— Praise God with Me: (1)
O God of all power and majesty, you created the heavens and stretched them out.
You formed the earth and all that comes from it.
You give the breath of life to all who walk on the face of the earth.
Jesus, you conquered sin and death and now reign victorious.
You are Lord; glory is due your name. The former things have come to pass;
we now await the new things you will bring through the Holy Spirit.
We rejoice to be gathered in your name.
Alleluia! Accept our praises and petitions. Amen.

— Let us read and reflect on Scripture:
Come Holy Spirit, help us to hear your still, small voice as we read your word:
John 15:1-17 – Part of the passage is provided here for those who don’t have a Bible handy.
4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

— Answer these four questions:
What does this passage say about God?
What does this passage say about people?
As a result of this reading, what is one step God is inviting you to take?
Who is one person you will tell about that step today?

— With a Heart of Prayer, Let us Respond: (2)
Holy God, you revealed to the disciples the everlasting glory of Jesus Christ.
Grant us, who have not seen and yet believe, the gift of your Holy Spirit,
that we may boldly live the gospel and shine with your transforming glory
as people changed and changing through the redeeming presence of our Savior. Amen.

— Let’s Gather Wisdom from One Who Walked with Christ before us: (3)
The bearers of Jesus’ word receive a final word of promise for their work. They are now Christ’s fellow-workers, and will be like him in all things. Thus, they are to meet those to whom they are sent as if they were Christ himself. When they are welcomed into a house, Christ enters with them. They are bearers of his presence. They bring with them the most precious gift in the world, the gift of Jesus Christ. And with him they bring God the Father, and that means indeed forgiveness and salvation, life and bliss. That is the reward and fruit of their toil and suffering.

— Receive this blessing as we begin this day: (4)
To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence
without fault and with great joy—
to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority,
through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!
Amen.

Sources:
(1) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(2) From The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.
(3) From The Cost of Dicipleship, Deitrich Bonhoeffer
(4) From Jude 24-25, NIV as found in The Worship Sourcebook, 2004, Faith Alive Christian Resources.