ABIDE Prayer
A Savior is Born
Christmas season is a time where we align our hearts to our Father and remember the birth of His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. A time where we rejoice in God’s love for us as we see His heart for salvation, redemption, and restoration. Jesus’ birth brought life and light into the world!
For nothing will be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
Jesus’ birth to Mary, a virgin, reveals the incredible power of God. Within His will, nothing can be thwarted! Our Father desires our hearts to rest in His love for us and He works in mighty ways for us to experience such a great love as His.
Wherever we may find our hearts this Christmas season, pausing to remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ allows our souls to find rest in our Father’s love which endures, brings forth hope, and restores. For nothing is impossible with Him.
Aligning our Hearts with God
Let’s begin ABIDE by taking a moment to quiet our hearts and minds before God. Simply take a deep breath and exhale slowly. You may want to pray a “breath prayer” as you inhale and exhale, such as, “Father, thank you.”
Note: If you are leading a small group through ABIDE, pray the first prayer below over those you are leading. If you are praying ABIDE alone, use the second prayer.
Small Group 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.
Personal Prayer: Father, I give my heart to you. I surrender every area of my life to you. I choose to trust you with my whole heart and with everything in my life. You are my good, good Father who loves me. Thank you for being faithful, all-knowing and all-powerful. Remove any distractions from me and help me focus on you. Holy Spirit, fill me and help me discern your voice as I pray. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (Luke 1:47)
God, we thank you for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. His life and death on the cross led to our hallelujah victory over separation from you because of our sins. We rejoice in humility as you use us through our obedience, even though we are not without sin, to magnify your goodness to the world.
Prayer: God, thank you for__________________________(fill in the blank with some of the things that you are grateful for as you think of God and what He has done for you and given you). I/we exalt you. In Jesus Name.
Prayers for My Heart
He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him?” (Luke 8:25)
When we find our hearts overwhelmed, grieved, anxious, disappointed, or in need of peace we know that our Savior, who was brought from the Heavens, receives obedience from even the wind and waves at His commands.
God sent Jesus into the world to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), He is ready and able to tend to our hearts in whatever state we may find ourselves.
Prayer: Lord, I surrender_________________________________(fill in the blank with what the Spirit is revealing to you that you need to surrender). Thank you Lord for your___________________________________(fill in the blank with what your heart needs – His presence, peace, provision, strength, love, etc). Help me to receive what you desire to give me today. In Jesus Name.
Prayers for Other’s Heart
For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:30-32)
Because this season is a season of remembering our Savior’s birth and remembering God’s mighty power and plans which cannot be thwarted, we can also pray for the hearts of those who need a Savior. We can pray for the hearts of those who need to remember God’s faithfulness and power.
Ask the Spirit to bring to mind one person who you can pray for this week. Ask God to give you an opportunity to share with this person something that God has done in your life or is currently doing that you are thankful for.
Prayer: God, I pray for__________________________ and ask that you reveal yourself to him/her. Work in his/her heart and give him/her a desire to know you. Open the way and provide an opportunity for me to share with him/her something I am thankful for about you. In Jesus Name.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. We celebrate His birth and rejoice in His victory over death. In this Christmas season we can come to you in joy and grief, or somewhere in-between and trust that you are faithful to be with us there. We love you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
