ABIDE Prayer
The purpose of ABIDE is to help us draw near to God in prayer as we gather in small groups or as we spend time alone with God.
Growing the Fruit of Peace
Opening Prayer
Let’s begin ABIDE by dedicating our time with God in prayer. You may simply say aloud or silently a prayer such as, “God, I/we dedicate this time of prayer to you. Holy Spirit, fill me/us and lead me/us,” In Jesus’ Name.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am thankful for your Spirit who dwells within me. Thank you for the gift of peace which you freely give. Because of the peace you give that surpasses all worldly understanding, I can find peace in ____________________________ (name a place in your life you need the Lord to cover in His peace).
Prayers of Surrender
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Galatians 5:25-26).
With God’s peace, we can open our hands to release and surrender all that we are and all that we desire to Him. By the peace of your Spirit, we can confidently keep in step with your call of our lives to follow you fully.
Prayer: Lord, I surrender ___________________ (name something in your life you may be gripping on to).
Additional prayer if you are using ABIDE as a personal devotional:
Prayer: Father, by surrendering this to you through the peace you’ve given me, my mind is free to hear your guidance more clearly. May I seek you each day by ____________________ (name how you can seek the Lord each day) and surrender daily to be filled by the peace of your Spirit.
Prayers for Others
Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Galatians 6:18)
We are surrounded by souls suffering from chronic chaos which clouds one’s ability to follow God’s guidance and keeps them from growing in His peace. Let’s pray for those the Spirit brings to mind who need God’s peace.
Prayer: I/we give you _____________________ (lift up a name, to the Lord, who needs His gift of peace to grow within them and take control). Would you allow your grace to remove anything keeping them from surrendering their days to you and fill them with the peace of your Spirit to sustain them?
Closing Prayers
When we plant ourselves next to the stream of Living Water, the fruits of His Spirit, which lives within us, will grow in every season of our lives, both good and bad, producing powerful fruits of peace, love, patience, joy, and more that will nourish us and others.
Prayer: Father, your word tells us that your Holy Spirit produces incredible fruits in our lives such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God, each of these fruits allows us to follow you and surrender all of our life to you in ways that will bring you most glory and honor. Today I am thankful for the peace which you grow in me as I submit to you the thoughts that take over my mind and often reveal themselves through my actions. Fill me with your peace as I draw near and plant myself alongside your stream of Living Water.
