The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 26 July 2017 "Connected to the Vine"

The United Methodist Church Prays in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Wednesday, 26 July 2017 "Connected to the Vine"

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2017
A Word from John Wesley
Q. But still if they live without sin, does not this exclude the necessity of a Mediator? At least, is it not plain that they stand no longer in need of Christ in his priestly office?
A. Far from it. None feel their need of Christ like these; none so entirely depend upon him. For Christ does not give life to the soul separate from, but in and with, himself. Hence his words are equally true of all men, in whatsoever state of grace they are: “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. Without (or separate from) me you can do nothing.” [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶19].
A Hymn from Charles Wesley
1. All power is to our Jesus given;
O’er earth’s rebellious sons he reigns;
He mildly rules the hosts of heaven,
And holds the powers of hell in chains.
2. The enemy his tares hath sown,
But Christ shall shortly root them up;
Shall cast the dire accuser down,
And disappoint his children’s hope. (Collection-1781, #271:2 & 5)
Questions for Reflection:

1. In John Wesley’s description of the character of a Methodist paints the picture of a person filled with the love and life of Christ, connected to the Vine, and fruitful. Why is this important to John Wesley? Is it important to you?
2. The gift and the challenge of the Wesleyan way of discipleship is this vision that every man and woman can be one with Christ and fully alive in him. Every person! If Jesus promised you this life and power, would you want it? Will you pray this week that you may be made perfect in Christ who is perfect love?
3. What is the meaning of Charles Wesley’s hymn for us today? What aspect of Jesus power is described? Do you believe that Jesus does restrain evil? Why or why not?
4. This hymn implies a spiritual battle between those in Christ and those in aligned with the enemy. What are your thoughts about this? If Jesus has the power, what is your response to him?

*Prayer,
O God of Jacob, you speak in the light of day and in the dark of night when our sleeping is filled with dreams of heaven and earth. May Jacob’s vision remind us to be open and watchful, ready to discover your presence in our midst. Amen.

*The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.

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