John 15: Abide in Me

24th Week After Pentecost

Scripture
John 15:4–5 (NIV)
“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. 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.”

Scripture Reflection

Revival is not only about outward works or public movements — it is about deep, hidden abiding. Jesus makes it plain: fruitfulness flows from connectedness. No strategy, no ministry plan, no act of zeal can substitute for a life rooted in intimate, daily fellowship with Him.

In seasons of urgency and Kingdom advance, we can be tempted to neglect this abiding. But the true source of revival, and the only way it will endure, is if God’s people stay intimately connected to Jesus. Apart from Him, we can do nothing — but with Him, our lives bear fruit that lasts.

May the Church in New England return again and again to the Vine, drawing life, wisdom, and power directly from Christ. Let us build rhythms that keep us near His heart, no matter how busy or pressured the moment feels.

Praying it UP / IN / OUT

UP: Worship Jesus as the true Vine, the source of all life and spiritual fruitfulness.

IN: Pray for a renewed desire to abide in Christ — to linger in His presence, to listen, and to trust Him deeply.

OUT: Intercede for the wider Church, that all activity and mission would flow from a place of abiding in Jesus rather than striving in our own strength.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,

You are the Vine, and we are the branches. Apart from You, we can do nothing. Forgive us for relying on ourselves or chasing fruit without remaining rooted in You.

Teach us to abide — to slow down, to stay near, to draw our life from Your love. 

Strengthen us to remain, even when pressures and demands try to pull us away.

May Your Church in New England be marked by deep abiding, bearing fruit that glorifies You and reveals Your Kingdom to the world.

Keep us close to You, Lord, every day, in every season, for Your glory.

Amen.