ABIDE Prayer Guide
Devoted to Prayer
As God’s sons and daughters, we are called to a life of devotion to Him. Our Father wants our whole heart and for us to devote ourselves to Him and the advancement of His Kingdom. As believers, we are also called to share our devotion to God and the advancement of His Kingdom with one another.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
Prayer of Devotion
Today’s ABIDE focuses on being devoted to God through prayer. As we begin, take a moment of silence with God. Ask God to help you become more devoted to prayer. Confess any sins, struggles, doubts and even boredom that you have about praying. Ask God to awaken your heart to prayer and give you a passion and increased faith in prayer. Ask God to help you be a son/daughter who is devoted to seeking Him through prayer.
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, “God, I’m devoted 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.
Group Prayer: Father, we love you and we need you. Holy Spirit, fill us and lead us as we gather to pray and study Scripture. We dedicate this time to you and what you have for us to receive from you as your sons and daughters. Remove any distractions and help us to focus our hearts on you. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Personal Prayer: Father, 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 for being 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.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. (Colossians 1:3)
Let’s thank God for the people in our lives who help us know Him more deeply (this could be leaders, family members, friends – anyone God is using in your life to grow you closer to Him) and ask God to bless them.
Prayer: God, thank you for _____________________ (fill in the blank with the name of someone the Spirit puts on your heart) and how they encourage me in my walk with you. Bless____________________today with your presence, peace, provision and joy. In Jesus Name.
Prayers for Our Heart
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
Let’s ask God to help us put on (receive) His compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience for our hearts and empower us to share what we receive with those around us.
Prayer: God, thank you that we belong to you! We are yours and your Spirit lives in us. Help us to receive from you and to give to others your compassion, your kindness, your humility, your gentleness and your patience.
God, I especially need your ______________________ (fill in the blanks with what you need the most from God for your own heart and what you need His help to give to others) and ask you to help me give your ______________ to others. In Jesus Name.
Prayers for Others’ Hearts
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. The LORD is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:17-18)
Let’s pray for God to help those who are hurting to 1) know that God is near to them, 2) to rescue them from fear and hopelessness, 3) for God to deliver them from the attacks of the enemy.
Pray for groups of people (not specific names of people). For example, all who have lost jobs or work for companies that are struggling; those who are sick or have loved one who are sick; those who are alone and feel isolated; those grieving the loss of someone they love, etc.
Ask the Spirit to speak to your heart about one person/family you can pray for this week. Send them a text or note and let them know you are praying for them!
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for the amazing gift of speaking to you, hearing from you and interceding for others through prayer. Help us be devoted to seeking you in prayer and praying for one another. In Jesus Name, Amen.
