The Word 

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

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, you are the Word.” 

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 for small groups:  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. 

Personal Prayer:  Lord, I give my heart to you. I surrender all that is within me 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. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Prayers of Praise 

Let the exaltation of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands. (Psalm 149:6) 

It is easy to become discouraged or feel defeated, even hopeless, as we walk through various trials and losses. We are especially vulnerable to fear with all that we hear and see in the world today. How are we, God’s sons and daughters, called to live in the midst of so many kinds of battles?  

We press into God’s Word. We read God’s Word. We speak God’s Word. We cling to God’s Word. And we proclaim God’s Word as truth over the lies of the enemy and over the assault on our hearts. We choose to practice Psalm 149:6 and allow the Word of God to transform us! 

Prayers of Praise 

Prayer: God, we exalt you! We praise you! You have shown your power in ________________ (fill in the blank with what the Spirit brings to mind in your life, family, church, community, nation). 

Prayers for My Heart 

God’s Word transforms our lives (Romans 12:2) and it is the “sword of the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17) For us to walk in victory and experience hope, faith, peace and to live the lives we were created to live, we must read, receive, speak and do battle in prayer using the Word of God. 

For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Prayer: God, I need your Word to transform my mind and heart. Help me to believe and receive your Word, the truth of Scripture, in ________________________________ (fill in the blank with any areas of your life or family that you are battling and need to receive the truth of God’s Word). In Jesus’ Name. 

Prayers for Others  

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” (John 14:6-7)

Jesus is the Word and He is the “way, the truth and the life.” We encounter people daily who are either other believers or who are lost and do not know Jesus. As God’s sons and daughters, we are called to “keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25) How is the Spirit leading you to pray for others?  How is the Spirit leading you to encourage, speak truth and bless others with the hope of the Gospel? 

Let’s pray for the Spirit to bring people to mind who need prayer, encouragement, and the truth of God’s Word prayed and spoken over them. And let’s ask the Spirit to lead us and empower us to speak God’s Word over others, through prayer or sharing a text or even a conversation. 

Prayer:  Spirit, lead us and empower us to pray God’s Word and speak God’s Word over ________________________ (fill in the blank with the first name of the person the Spirit brings to mind). Help him/her to be open to you, Jesus, and receive your Word. In Jesus’ Name. 

Closing Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you are the living Word. Your name is the “Word of God” and you are KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:13;16). Thank you for rescuing us, redeeming us, setting us free and giving us a new life in you. We love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.