Here’s a little prayer I wrote last week while out on a short local walk. The apple trees around me were heavy laden, and people were making the most of the bonanza, which had been grown specifically for local community enjoyment. It set me thinking once again about the fruits that should characterise our lives; about what, in other words, we should hope and expect to see growing in the orchard of faith.
As I pick these apples, Lord,
speak to me of the harvest you would see in my life,
the fruits that you want grow there –
not just an occasional windfall,
but a bumper crop,
a rich return,
evident to all.
Speak of love,
joy,
peace,
patience,
goodness,
gentleness,
constancy
and self-control –
of a yield that will bring blessing to others,
imparting hope,
compassion,
justice
and solace
in a world of so much sorrow and pain.
Sow new seeds of faith within me,
and nurture them to fruition.
Amen.