Quiet Table Guide: Sept 28-Oct 4
Scripture for the week: John 15:1-8
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 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. 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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
1. Ready Your Heart
Begin with a moment of silence or a short prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together.
2. Read
Slowly read this week’s passage. (Consider reading it out loud or in a different translation each day.)
3. Reflect
What word, phrase, or image stands out to you today? What in your life might the Holy Spirit be drawing your attention to?
4. Respond
How can you allow this word to shape your interactions, decisions, or perspective today? Remember what you shared with your group about what you are doing to put the word into practice.
5. Receive
Spend a few moments in stillness, surrendering your thoughts, plans, and actions to God and resting in the presence of Jesus.
6. Spiritual Practice: Postcards to Jesus
At the end of each day this week, write a postcard to Jesus
Grab a stack of postcards, or some index cards, or a journal and keep it beside your bed
Before you go to bed, write a short note to Jesus
You don’t have to be poetic
You don’t have to be long-winded
Just tell Him what your day was like
Share your joys, your frustrations, your questions, even your failures
Write it as if you were updating a close friend who actually cares about the details of your life
This practice will help slow us down long enough to notice His presence
Too often, we rush through life without reflection, carrying the weight of the day into tomorrow
But when you pause to put words on paper, you begin to see how Jesus is with you in the ordinary
Trying on this practice each evening is a simple way to re-connect your heart to the Vine, reminding yourself that you are not alone, that your life is being lived with Him and in Him
