WEBVTT 00:00:04.799 --> 00:00:14.720 Today, as we pray together, we're going to meditate on one of Jesus' most profound invitations, found in John 15 4. 00:00:15.599 --> 00:00:20.079 Jesus tells his followers, abide in me and I in you. 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:29.920 To abide means to remain, to make our home in Christ, to stay close to him and depend on him moment by moment. 00:00:30.879 --> 00:00:33.840 It's not about striving harder or for more. 00:00:34.079 --> 00:00:39.119 It's about simply staying connected to the one who was our source of life. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:44.640 As we pray, let's quiet our hearts and practice abiding. 00:00:45.119 --> 00:00:52.479 Let's make space to be with Jesus, trusting that as we remain in Him, He remains with us. 00:00:54.159 --> 00:00:59.039 Let's begin by taking three slow deep breaths. 00:00:59.759 --> 00:01:09.040 Let your body rest, relax your jaw, soften your shoulders, and release any tension you're carrying. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:13.200 Become aware of God's presence with you in this moment. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:33.200 Now spend the next minute simply reflecting on the goodness of God. 00:01:34.159 --> 00:01:40.319 Remember his faithfulness, his kindness, and the ways he has sustained you. 00:01:40.719 --> 00:01:48.319 Let gratitude rise in your heart as you consider all he has done and the gift of his presence in your life. 00:02:16.319 --> 00:02:25.199 Imagine every conversation, every responsibility, every joy, and every challenge while abiding in Jesus. 00:02:25.919 --> 00:02:33.599 Picture yourself remaining close to him, drawing your strength, peace, and wisdom from his presence. 00:02:34.560 --> 00:02:39.039 And just as importantly, become aware of this beautiful promise. 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:43.199 As you remain in him, he remains in you. 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:32.159 Depend on me, stay with me, remain in me. 00:03:33.840 --> 00:03:41.520 As we abide in Christ, we stop striving to sustain ourselves and begin receiving what only He can provide. 00:03:42.719 --> 00:03:45.759 Take the next two minutes to talk with God. 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:51.840 Is there any area of your life where you've been relying on your own strength? 00:03:52.560 --> 00:03:58.080 Where do you feel weary, disconnected, or distracted from his presence? 00:03:59.439 --> 00:04:01.520 Bring those places before him. 00:04:02.240 --> 00:04:11.199 Ask him to draw you back into deeper communion with him and to help you become aware of him throughout your day. 00:05:17.759 --> 00:05:20.959 Thank you for not leaving us where you found us. 00:05:21.519 --> 00:05:31.759 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. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:35.839 You have never given up on us and you never will. 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:39.360 Thank you for the gift of your presence. 00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:46.319 Thank you that you choose to abide with us, dwelling with us every moment of every day. 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:51.360 Today we want nothing more than to abide. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:56.639 Teach us what that looks like in the ordinary moments of life. 00:05:56.959 --> 00:06:05.600 Help us make small decisions that keep us aware of your presence and draw us back to you whenever we begin to drift. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:14.160 May we remain in you today, trusting that as we do, you will bear your fruit through our lives. 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:15.839 In your name we pray. 00:06:16.160 --> 00:06:16.800 Amen.