Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Lord our God, loving Father, you have given us your Son Jesus Christ as the true vine of life and our source of strength. Help us to live his life as living branches attached to the vine, and to produce lasting fruit of justice, goodness and love. Let our union with him become visible in our openness to one another and in our unity as brothers and sisters, that he may be visibly present among us now and for ever.

Reading: John 15:12-17 (NLT)

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
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Reflection & Prayer:

Lord Jesus: You have befriended me and commanded me to love others even as you have loved me.

+ Lord, you gave me your life; I give you mine as a living sacrifice. Help me to remain faithful, obedient, and true.

+ Lord, you commanded me to love others; help me to follow your example. Show me how I can give up myself for another today.

+ Lord, you revealed to me what was most personal and important to you; help me to become more transparent and trusting with those closest to me.

+ Lord, you chose me as your friend and appointed me as your emissary to make disciples. Help me to be a worthy example and witness of your Good News.

Lord Jesus: Fill me with your Spirit today, that I may be your friend in word and deed, and not in name only, to the glory of the Father. Amen.
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“Friend of God” – Phillips Craig & Dean

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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 57:7-8 (NLT)

My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!