The Vinedresser's Knife
By Ralph I. Tilley

". . . and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit."
— John 15:2b (NASB)

As a branch in Your vineyard,
Lord, I want to be fruitful;
To produce a rich harvest
For You, I would be grateful. 

“Child, to be a fruitful branch
In this season of your life,
Let me cut away from you
All that’s useless with My knife.” 

Lord, is there no other way
I can produce fruit for You,
Some way that’s far less painful
Than pruning that which I grew? 

“The only way is My way,
As painful as it may be;
By submitting to My knife
You’ll bear fruit abundantly.” 

Then, Lord, gently take Your knife—
I trustingly surrender;
For to bear rich Spirit-fruit,
Magnifies my Vinedresser.