ABIDE Prayer: The Call to Pray
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.
Our Father gives us complete access to Him through prayer. Because of Christ, there is no barrier between us and our Father. Our Father not only invites us to pray but He calls us to pray.
“Know that the LORD has set apart the faithful for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.” (Psalm 4:3)
Let’s begin ABIDE by lifting up prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Jesus for how our lives are forever changed because of Him.
Prayers of Thanksgiving & Praise
“Let the whole earth sing to the Lord. Proclaim his salvation from day to day.” (1 Chronicles 16:23)
Prayer: Lord, I/we praise you because ________________________ (fill in the blank with prayers of praise to Jesus) and thank you for _________________________ (fill in the blank with what you are thankful for in something or someone you have seen today).
Prayers for Our Hearts
“And my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Because of the blood of Christ, we are able to come directly before the Lord, humbling ourselves at his feet in prayer, asking and receiving his grace over our sin. He is a compassionate Father who knows the heart of his children, listens and responds. He is the God who sees us, the God who hears us, the God who answers.
Prayer: Jesus, I/we bring to you _______________________ (confession of attitude or action that needs to be brought before the Lord). Father search my heart and reveal sin which distracts me from giving you my whole heart.
Prayers for Others
“Declare his glory among the nations, his wondrous works among all peoples.” (1 Chronicles 16:24)
As our hearts remain open before the Lord, let’s honor this gift of prayer by asking that all who have yet to hear of his wondrous works or need to be reawakened to his glory, experience Him this week.
Prayer: Lord, we recognize coming to you in prayer is a gift we receive from you as your sons and daughters. It is a powerful opportunity to serve your Kingdom. We pray for _______________________ (fill in the blank with countries, tribes, nations, homes, names of individuals in need of experiencing God this week, maybe for the first time.) We pray your Spirit speaks to their hearts in such an intimate way that you are the only explanation.
Closing Prayer
“My eyes will now be open and my ears attentive to prayer from this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:15)
Closing Prayer: Jesus, you know our hearts and have heard our thoughts before we ever speak, yet you desire relationship with us so much that you have gifted us prayer through which we can be in communion together. Thank you that you open your eyes and ears to us here, that you remember your children. You are a good and faithful King who hears every sigh and meets us in this sacred place of prayer. May we keep our hearts open toward you and may our prayers be lifted high. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
