Yet again, God has seen fit to have me pick out and read a book at the perfect time. This week, the Gospel readings for Mass include sections from John 15 about how the Lord is the vinedresser, Christ is the vine, and we are the branches. I consider it a God-incident that I picked up Secrets of the Vine for Women which is about Divine Pruning and finished it during this week, not knowing until yesterday morning that the Scripture readings and the topic of this book overlapped.I read The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson, Darlene Marie Wilkinson’s husband, when back in college and have fond memories of it, since it’s such an amazing book, was inspiring to me, and the first spiritual book my then boyfriend, now husband read upon my recommendation. Upon my spouse’s suggestion, we began praying The Prayer of Jabez daily, over the phone when we were dating and miles apart, and now together as we say goodnight just after turning out our bedroom light.
It’s been a number of years since I read Bruce Wilkinson’s Secrets of the Vine, which also resonated with me. His wife’s insights into how the Lord cares and prunes us in order that we produce an abundance of fruit for His Kingdom are straightforward and easy to follow. The pocket-sized book is a quick read complete with study guide questions ideal for personal reflection or small group sharing.
