Introduction 

Our passage for the New Year

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.   John 15:4-5 (ESV)

How can we abide in Christ this year?

1. What does it mean to abide in Christ? To abide in our crucified and risen Lord means to be at one with his person, will and purpose by remaining in personal communion with him so that we bear good fruit that is pleasing to the Father.   The word "abide" in Greek means to "remain, stay, continue in"

2. How does this work?

• God's grace establishes us in Christ (Jn. 15:16; cf. Eph. 2:8, 9)
• God's grace keeps us in Christ (Jn. 10:27-30)

3. How can I access God's grace for me to abide in Christ? Abide in Christ's grace through humble prayer.

• Prayer that is simple, humble and constant - the tradition of breath prayers
  • Samples: "Thank you, Father"; "Lord, have mercy"; "Come, Holy Spirit"
  • The Jesus Prayer - "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner"
• Prayer that is Biblical - the tradition of praying the psalms 
• Prayer that is faithful to Christ's Lordship and mission - the tradition of praying the Lord's prayer

4. What is my next flourishing step to abide in Christ this year?

• What I would like you to try this week: Pray the Jesus Prayer continuously for five minutes each day while you match your breathing with your prayer (inhale - "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God"; exhale - "have mercy on me, a sinner").
• Ask God to help you abide in him constantly through constant prayer through breath prayers

Conclusion and Call to Respond