Praxis: The Benefit of Pruning

The Benefit of Pruning

By Mike Picconatto

Bearing Fruit

Biblical Reference: John 15:1-8

Location Orchard

Background / Setup

1. Call nursery / orchard.

2. Set up a short tour.

3. Have a gardener or worker explain why they prune branches, and actually prune some trees if possible.

Warm-up

- Get tour

- Have gardener show how pruning is done.

- Ask why some branches are cut completely off, while others are just cut back.

- Ask if pruning makes trees more or less productive.

Study

John 15:1-8

- What branches are removed?

- What branches are cut back / pruned?

- Why do you think it feels like God is taking things away or closing doors?

Application

See, God has plans and desires for our lives. In fact, in John 15:8 it says God is glorified by our bearing fruit! Sometimes God things back in our lives, just like the gardener does, to let us bear more fruit! Strange, but true concept, isn’t it!

Reflection

Where / What is God pruning in your life to make you more fruitful?