ABIDE Prayer
Jesus Came for 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.
The Christmas Season is a special time of the year as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, the Christmas Season can be a stressful time of the year, and we can easily lose sight of the reason we celebrate Christmas. Let’s focus on the Gospel message this month: Jesus came for us. Jesus came to rescue us and give us eternal life and a new life in Christ.
Read Philippians 2:4-11 and ask the Spirit to speak to your heart today.
Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death – even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow – in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:4-11).
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord, thank you for reminding me that _______________ (fill in the blank with something the Spirit is reminding you of in Philippians 2:4-11).
Prayer of Confession
It’s not easy to acknowledge that we need an attitude adjustment – especially during the Christmas Season! Scripture tells us in Philippians 2:5 to “adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” For most of us, we need to surrender any attitudes that are not like Christ Jesus so we can adopt His attitude. Changing our attitudes can feel impossible – and apart from the Spirit working in us, it is impossible.
As we kick off the month of December, let’s ask the Spirit to work in our hearts and change our attitudes. This Christmas Season we can experience the love and peace of Christ Jesus and share the love and peace of Christ Jesus with those around us.
What are some attitudes (thoughts, mindsets) that you need to surrender?
Lord, I need you to work in my heart and change my attitude _______________ (fill in the blank with whatever the Spirit is revealing to you).
Prayers for Our Hearts
There are people in our lives who need the love and hope of Christ. Some of those people know Christ and others don’t know Christ. Let’s ask God to help us focus our attention on Him and how He is working in us and through us to share the love and hope of Christ with the people in our lives. This includes people in our homes, at work, our neighbors and people we talk to everywhere we go.
Ask God to help you see people through His eyes and have His attitude towards others. Who in your life do you need God to help you change the attitude of your heart towards? Take a few moments to silently ask God to speak to your heart and change your attitude towards the people He brings to your mind. Confess your need for the Spirit to work in you and through you.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for giving up everything to come and rescue us. Thank you for giving your life to save us, redeem us, restore us, heal us and give us new life in you. Lord, we need you to help us focus on you and your Kingdom this Christmas Season. Show us when we are being distracted from you and draw our hearts and minds to you. Give us your heart towards others and empower us to share the love and hope of Christ with everyone around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
