ABIDE Prayer: Christmas IS the Gospel
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.
Christmas is most celebrated when we understand that Jesus gave up everything to come to earth as a baby who would one day take on the sins of the whole world. Baby Jesus came to rescue all who would receive the gift of His life. Let’s ask God to help us celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas with a greater appreciation of what the birth of Jesus means to us and all who would receive Him.
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)
Prayers of Praise
Let’s praise Jesus for coming to rescue us and give us His life. Lord, we praise you for________________ (fill in the blank with words of praise to Jesus).
Prayer of Thanksgiving & Testimony
Isaiah 61:1 tells us that Jesus came to do a powerful work in our lives. We are the ones in need of His Gospel. We need Jesus to help us see clearly. We need Jesus to heal our hearts and set us free from the enemy’s oppression.
“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)
Be specific about something Jesus did in your life to change you, heal you, set you free.
Jesus, thank you for coming to ________________ (fill in the blank with something you are thankful that Jesus came to do in your life).
Prayers for Peace
Jesus is our peace! Read the following verses about Jesus:
“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)
We need Jesus. We desperately need Jesus. When we are walking through trials, pain, grief and battling feelings of despair, hopelessness and sadness, we desperately need Jesus. Fear, oppression and weariness make us desperate for Jesus. 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.
Closing Prayer
Lord, 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 keep our hearts and minds fixed on you. We love you, and we need you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
