“I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit.”

(John 15.1-2 GNB)

The gardener initiates the action, not the branch. The branch does not decide, except to produce fruit.

“He breaks off .. that does not bear fruit, and he prunes .. that does bear fruit.”

In a vineyard, to produce good wine, the grapes need certain condition and ideal sunlight for the intended wine attributes. The winemaker has a specific goal in mind. A branch that produces fruit, but does not fit the goal will be pruned.

The gardener prunes to achieve the goal and at the same time, to get more grapes that fit the goal.

Lord,
help me bear fruit
that fits your goal
and help me bear more of it