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 Fruit of the Spirit
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 Gratitude
Slowly read Galatians 2:20 and consider what this Scripture means to you and to all who are in Christ – your brothers and sisters in Christ. Take a moment and lift up prayers of gratitude to Jesus as it relates to Galatians 2:20.
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me (Galatians 2:20).
Prayer: Jesus, I am grateful for _____________________________ (fill in the blank with what you are grateful for as it relates to Galatians 2:20).
Prayers of Surrender
Jesus wants us to be in a close relationship with Him, depending on Him for our every need. We can depend on Jesus because He is faithful and dependable. We can fully trust the One who gave His life for us.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me” (John 15:5).
What are you trying to accomplish in your own strength? What areas of your heart and life do you need to depend fully on Jesus and His faithfulness to work in you and through you?
Prayer: Jesus, I/we surrender ____________________________ and need you to help me/us depend fully on you and trust in your faithfulness to work in me /us and in my/our life/lives.
Prayers for the fruit of the Spirit
As we depend on Jesus and ask Jesus to work in us and through us, amazing things happen in our hearts and lives! Jesus changes our hearts, transforms our lives and fruit is produced in our lives that reflects Jesus.
As you read Galatians 5:22-23, what fruit of the Spirit do you need the most in your life today? Let’s ask Jesus to help us receive from Him and change us so that we experience His presence and reflect Him to others.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things (Galatians 5:22-23).
Prayer: Jesus, I need your ____________________ (fill in the blank with the fruit you most need from Jesus today).
Closing prayer for small groups
Lord, we love you and we need you. We need your Spirit to fill us, change us and transform us. Forgive us for depending on ourselves and help us depend on you to work in our hearts, lives and families. We invite you to open our hearts and minds and reveal yourself to us as we study your Word today. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Closing Devotional Prayer
Spend a few moments in prayer and ask God to show you what burdens you are carrying that need to be released to Him. As God brings situations, people, trials, or whatever comes to your mind, give the burdens to God. Ask God to take the burden and help you trust Him. Surrender whatever you are holding onto and choose to trust God and His faithfulness to care for you and carry the burdens for you. Close your time in prayer with God by thanking Him and declaring His greatness and faithfulness over your life.
