Before the Harvest:

Lord I want to praise you for all the fruit that you have produced in my life, I could not do this in my own strength. You have helped me to love others, be patient and kind. I know that these things don’t come naturally. Lord I want to bear more fruit for your glory.

Harvest Time:

Ouch what was that?   problems seem to be coming thick and fast and all the fruit has gone, Lord please cause some fruit to grow on these branches that you have caused to grow, at least I have the evidence that you have caused me to grow.

A Few Days After Harvest:

Lord life is a mess, I am hurting. Lord I asked for more fruit and now I feel that I have been stripped of everything. Lord the more I cry to you for fruit in my life the less loving I feel. Where have all those awkward and irritating people come from? I want to love them but it is so hard. What makes things worse is you don’t seem to listen to a word I say and things are getting worse. I need your help right now.

Winter:

Lord I feel cold and wet and downright miserable, life seems to get more difficult. I want to love you and others, I want to bear fruit for your glory but nothing is happening. I just seem to be like a stump in the ground.

Spring:

Lord I feel a little warmer now, I thank you for shedding a little of the sunlight of your love on me. Lord I feel that I am beginning to put out tender shoots again, protect them by your grace for you glory’s sake. Lord speak to me again, I need to hear you voice.

The Lord’s Answer;

My child I can only teach you to rely on me by pruning you back, I know it is not pleasant but I love you too much to leave you as you are. You asked me for more fruit and I have granted your request but not in the way you thought it would be. The problems you have been going through are all designed to make you rely on me. You realize now more clearly than before that without me you can do nothing. Whatever has happened and will happen you are in my hands, I love you and will not let you go. If you want to see the extent of my love just remember what I did on the cross for you.