Our Identity in Christ
Who we are in Christ is not determined by what we do but is firmly established in Christ. Scripture tells us that whatever we are walking through in our lives we are more than conquerors and that nothing will ever separate us from our Father’s love.
Let’s begin ABIDE by taking a moment to quiet our hearts and minds – to be still before God.
You may want to pray a “breath prayer” as you inhale and exhale, such as, “God, I belong to you.”
Opening Prayer
Prayer: Father, we love you and we need you. Holy Spirit, fill us and lead us as we gather to pray and study Scripture. We dedicate this time to you and what you have for us to receive from you as your sons and daughters. Remove any distractions and help us to focus our hearts on you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-19)
Our Father knows the trials, pain, warfare and the demands of everyday life that we walk through in our lives. Yet, our Father’s plan is for us to walk on the solid foundation of His truth. We are not defeated but more than conquerors. We are never alone. Our Father is always with us and His Spirit lives in us.
Let’s spend a few moments thanking our Father for His presence and power that is within us. You may want to thank God for specific ways He is giving you victory or revealing His presence to you as you reflect on the past week.
Prayer: Father, I/we praise you and thank you for_____________________________________ (fill in the blank with what the Spirit brings to mind as you reflect on the past week).
Prayer for Our Heart
Knowing our identity in Christ and choosing to believe what God says about us is critical. The decisions we make, how we walk through trials, the emotions we feel and how we relate to God and others is rooted in our belief system- especially what we believe about our identity.
Prayerfully read the Identity in Christ Card over your heart (if you are praying ABIDE alone) or over the people in your group if you are leading a small group. Ask God to help you and those you are leading to receive the truth of who He says that we are as His sons and daughters.
MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST
I am a child of God (John 1:12).
I am a New Creation! I have been given a new life in Christ
(2 Corinthians 5:17).
I am a saint (Ephesians 1:1).
I am rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into His
Kingdom (Colossians 1:13).
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
I am free forever from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2).
I am Christ’s friend (John 15:15).
I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).
I am blessed and surrounded by God’s favor (Psalm 5:12).
I am no longer controlled by the sinful nature but by the Spirit of God
(Romans 8:9).
I am anointed, sealed and the Spirit is in my heart (2 Corinthians
1:21-22).
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (1 John 5:18).
I am God’s workmanship, created for good works (Ephesians 2:10).
I am victorious over the enemy because the Lord has given me His
authority (Luke 10:19).
I am bought with a price and belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
I am loved by God (John 3:16).
I am holy and blameless in God’s sight (Ephesians 1:4).
I am chosen (Ephesians 1:4).
I am no longer a slave–I am God’s child, and He made me
His heir (Galatians 4:6-7).
Prayer for Other’s Hearts
We get to enter a time of praying for those the Spirit brings to mind. Who in your family or what friends do you want to pray for today? Let’s pray for God to bless them and help them to believe and receive deeply their identity in Christ.
Prayer: Father, I /we pray for______________________________and ask that you bless him/her and help him/her to receive deeply the truth of their identity in Christ. In Jesus Name.
Closing Prayer
Father, we love you. Thank you for your amazing grace that determines who we are as your sons and daughters. Please give us discernment to recognize when we are striving and trying to earn what you have freely given us through the life, death and resurrection of your son, Jesus Christ. Help us believe who you say we are and walk in your truth. In Jesus Name, Amen.
