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.
The Christmas Message
Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11)
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13-14)
Jesus came for you. If you received Jesus as your Savior, then you are rescued. You are set free from darkness. You are a son/daughter who will forever live in the Kingdom of God. You are loved, forgiven and redeemed and that is the message of Christmas!
Opening Prayer
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, “Jesus, I belong to 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.
Prayer: Lord, we give our hearts and lives to you. We surrender all that is within us to you. We love you and we need you. Spirit, fill us and lead us as we pray. We consecrate this time of prayer to you. Remove any distractions and help us focus on you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayer: Lord, 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 that you are 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.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
As God’s sons and daughters, we want to celebrate Christmas with great joy and gratitude for the amazing gift of Jesus. We do this best when we choose to slow down to “unwrap” the gift of Jesus through prayer, worship and remembering what He has done for us and who He is – King Jesus.
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners. (Isaiah 61:1)
Jesus came to save us, heal us and set us free. Let’s take a few moments in prayer thanking Jesus for who He is to us and how He has changed our lives.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you that you came into my life and ____________________ (fill in the blank with something you are thankful that Jesus did your life).
Prayers for Peace in our Hearts
For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
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)
Where in your life do you need the peace of Jesus to enter? What trials, burdens or the stress of everyday life feels “peace-less?” There is nothing too big or too small to bring to Jesus in prayer and receive peace from the Prince of Peace.
Prayer: Let’s take a few minutes and pray silently. Ask Jesus to come into our pain, fears, anxiety and oppression. Ask the Prince of Peace to rule over our hearts and minds and bring His peace into every part of our hearts and minds.
Prayers for Peace in Others Hearts
People all around us this Christmas Season are hurting and in desperate need of Jesus. Trials, grief, anxiety and weariness are places in our lives that Jesus readily enters to bring His peace.
Let’s pray for those the Spirit brings to mind and ask Jesus to bring him/her His peace.
Prayer: Jesus, we pray for ___________________________ and ask you to give him/her your peace. In Jesus’ Name.
Prayers for the Lost
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
For God loved the world in this way; He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)
We celebrate Christmas because Jesus came for us but He also came for all those who do not yet know Him as Savior and their Prince of Peace. Who do you know that needs to hear the message of Christmas – that Jesus came for you, changed your life and He also came for them?
Let’s ask the Spirit to bring people to mind who need to hear the message of Christmas and for the Spirit to lead and anoint us to share the message of Christmas.
Prayer: I/we pray for _____________________’s heart to be open to you and the message of Christmas – that you came for him/her. Holy Spirit, lead me and give me your words as I share the message of Christmas. In Jesus’ Name.
Closing Prayer
Jesus, we celebrate you! Thank you for coming to save us, give your life for us, rescue us, heal us and set us free. As we celebrate your birth this Christmas, help us receive more of you and give more of you to those around us. We love you, and we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
