ABIDE Prayer: God Leads Us
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.
Today’s Focus: God Leads Us
We can find great comfort, peace, strength and freedom when we “pause” and focus our attention on God’s Word. Scripture tells us, “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)
Thank God for His Word
Let’s begin ABIDE by acknowledging the power of God’s Word and the gift of God’s Word.
Prayer: Take a moment to consider the gift of God’s word. Thank God for His Word and the power it has to change our hearts and lives.
Read the following Scriptures and think of what God’s Word says about how He leads us:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:1-3)
“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“The LORD will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones. You will be like a watered garden and like a spring whose water never runs dry. “(Isaiah 58:11)
Prayer: Respond to what you just read about how God leads with prayers of worship and thanksgiving. God, thank you that your Word says _________________________ (fill in the blank with promises in God’s Word that are in the verses we just read).
Thank God for Leading Us
Scripture tells us, “He led his people in the wilderness. His faithful love endures forever (Psalm 136:16). A wilderness has several meanings, but in this verse, a wilderness means a “desert, desolate land that supports little life or barren.” We can feel that, at times, our lives are barren because of pain, burdens, difficulties and loss. However, God is with us in the wilderness. He is leading us to Him and that is where we receive life—His life, His provision, His peace, His love.
Where in your life does it feel like a “wilderness” even though God is leading you by His faithful love?
Prayer: Thank God for His faithfulness, love and the way He is leading you to Himself.
Prayers for Others
“Some of you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the foundations laid long ago; you will be called the repairer of broken walls, the restorer of streets where people live.” (Isaiah 58:12)
God works through his children to lead others to Him. When we serve others, love others, pray for others and share the Gospel with others, the Spirit is working through us to lead people to Him. God uses us to help repair the broken lives, and broken hearts of people and lead them to the One who can restore their soul.
Prayer: Ask God to lead you to people who need Him. Ask the Spirit to speak to your heart and direct you in specific ways you can help others experience God’s faithful love and His power to rebuild their lives and restore their souls.
Closing Prayer:
God, thank you for your faithful love and for leading us to you. Thank you for the gift of your Word that transforms our minds and changes our lives. Thank you for the gift of sharing our lives with one another. Speak to us as we gather to study the Scriptures and lead us into a deeper relationship with you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
