ABIDE Prayer: To Bless
The purpose of ABIDE is to seek God through prayer, rely on the Spirit as we gather together, and pray with unity and purpose. ABIDE prayers are Scripture-led and Spirit-focused prayers.
“My soul, bless the LORD! LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with majesty and splendor.” (Psalm 104:1)
Prayers to Bless the LORD
Let’s begin our ABIDE time by blessing the LORD. Take a moment to quietly consider the majesty and splendor of the LORD. Set your mind on His greatness, His mercy, His love, His power, His faithfulness. After quietly focusing on the LORD, let’s bless the Lord together.
Prayer: LORD, we bless you! We bless you because you are ________________ (fill in the blank with whatever you love about God or attributes about God).
Prayers for our Hearts
“The LORD spoke to Moses: “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. You should say to them,
“May the LORD bless you and protect you; may the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the LORD look with favor on you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:22-26)
If you are in a group: The teacher/director/small group leader will pray for every person in the group by, 1) asking God to help everyone to receive God’s blessings over their heart today, 2) slowly reading Numbers 6:22-26 as a prayer over everyone’s heart.
If you praying ABIDE on your own: Ask God to help you receive His blessings over your heart today. Slowly read Numbers 6:22-26 as a prayer over your heart.
Prayers for our Families
Let’s pray for those in our families (this can include our extended families) who are walking through a difficult time in their lives or who simply need God’s blessings – His protection, favor, grace, peace and knowledge of how deeply He loves them.
Prayer: LORD, would you bless _________________ (fill in the blank with names of people the Spirit puts on your heart who need to receive God’s blessing).
Prayers Beyond
“Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3)
As God’s sons and daughters, we are blessed with “every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.” However, there are many people all around us; at work, school, in our community and nation who do not have the spiritual blessing of being in Christ. Let’s pray for those who do not know Christ to receive Him and all of His blessings.
Prayer: God, open the eyes of ________________ (fill in the blank with whoever the Spirit brings to mind who does not know Christ) heart and help them to understand and receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Closing Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing us so richly by giving us your life. Thank you that you are always with us and we have the blessed assurance of eternal life with you. Spirit, speak to our hearts as we study Scripture today. Help us to receive your truth, walk in your truth and lead others to you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
