Learning How To Include God In the Small Things | Guided Prayers

Today, as we pray together, we're going to meditate on one of Jesus' most profound invitations, found in John 15 4.

Jesus tells his followers, abide in me and I in you.

To abide means to remain, to make our home in Christ, to stay close to him and depend on him moment by moment.

It's not about striving harder or for more.

It's about simply staying connected to the one who was our source of life.

As we pray, let's quiet our hearts and practice abiding.

Let's make space to be with Jesus, trusting that as we remain in Him, He remains with us.

Let's begin by taking three slow deep breaths.

Let your body rest, relax your jaw, soften your shoulders, and release any tension you're carrying.

Become aware of God's presence with you in this moment.

Now spend the next minute simply reflecting on the goodness of God.

Remember his faithfulness, his kindness, and the ways he has sustained you.

Let gratitude rise in your heart as you consider all he has done and the gift of his presence in your life.

Imagine every conversation, every responsibility, every joy, and every challenge while abiding in Jesus.

Picture yourself remaining close to him, drawing your strength, peace, and wisdom from his presence.

And just as importantly, become aware of this beautiful promise.

As you remain in him, he remains in you.

Depend on me, stay with me, remain in me.

As we abide in Christ, we stop striving to sustain ourselves and begin receiving what only He can provide.

Take the next two minutes to talk with God.

Is there any area of your life where you've been relying on your own strength?

Where do you feel weary, disconnected, or distracted from his presence?

Bring those places before him.

Ask him to draw you back into deeper communion with him and to help you become aware of him throughout your day.

Thank you for not leaving us where you found us.

Thank you for your patience and grace when we fall back into old habits and patterns, even after you've shown us a better way and set us free.

You have never given up on us and you never will.

Thank you for the gift of your presence.

Thank you that you choose to abide with us, dwelling with us every moment of every day.

Today we want nothing more than to abide.

Teach us what that looks like in the ordinary moments of life.

Help us make small decisions that keep us aware of your presence and draw us back to you whenever we begin to drift.

May we remain in you today, trusting that as we do, you will bear your fruit through our lives.

In your name we pray.

Amen.