A PRAYER FOR LENT 3 NT

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

Are we ready for pruning for, Lord

We have not grown

We have stunted in our faith

Not stretched

Not questioned

Not risked

We like where we are

Safe in the pew

Quiet in our den

Thoughtful

Introspective

Are we ready for pruning for, Lord

We are dying on the vine

Withering away

Dead to the outside world

Aloof

Protected

We are blinded by the sun

Unable to see the other

In the street

At the shelter

In our way

Are we ready for pruning for, Lord

We have produced no fruit

Nothing on our branches

Empty space

Barren limbs

Nothing fills the void

We are leafless, lifeless

No produce for others to share

No apples to feast on

No juices to enjoy

Good only for waste

Are we ready for pruning for, Lord

Forgive us, God

Fertilize us that we may grow

in the glory of your love

that we may love others

Forgive us, God

Enrich us with you grace

so that we may comfort

and reach out to those who mourn

Forgive us God

Embolden us with your spirit

that we may preach the Good News

and liberate the captives

Amen