ABIDE Prayer Guide
Receiving God’s Wisdom
If we are honest with ourselves, we are in desperate need of God’s wisdom. Our lives provide countless opportunities for us to be in need of God’s wisdom. Relationships with friends, family, neighbors and co-workers require wisdom. Small decisions such as what we eat to huge decisions such as how to walk through the challenges and trials in our lives require wisdom. So, where do we start in “receiving God’s wisdom.” We start with a humble confession that we need God. We surrender our hearts to our Father by simply telling Him that we need Him. We ask our Father to help us surrender our pride, control and independence and set us free to receive from Him – including His wisdom.
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 need 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.
Small 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
If you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:4-6)
Our Father promises to give us His wisdom, make Himself known to us and give us His understanding as we seek Him and the wisdom that He offers to us – His sons and daughters.
What are some times in your life when your Father blessed you with His wisdom? Let’s thank our Father for the wisdom that He has faithfully provided for us throughout our lives.
Prayer: Father, thank you for giving me wisdom in ___________________________(fill in the blank with specific ways the LORD has blessed you with His wisdom). In Jesus Name.
Prayer for My Heart
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and un-grudgingly—and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
Once again, our Father promises to give us wisdom when we bring our hearts to Him through prayer and ask Him to give us wisdom.
Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any situation in your life where you need His wisdom.
Prayer: Father, I need your wisdom in ______________________________ (fill in the blank with whatever situation/circumstance/relationship where you need God’s wisdom). Help me to receive your wisdom and trust you with my whole heart. In Jesus Name.
Prayer for Other’s Hearts
I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel. (Psalm 32:8)
Let’s take a few moments to pray for the people in our lives who are leading us – in our homes, church, place of work, community. As the Spirit brings people to mind, pray for God to remind them of His faithfulness and His promise to give them wisdom as they seek Him. Let’s ask God to remind them that His eye is on them and He desires to give them wisdom.
Prayer: Father, I/we pray for________________________________ to be reminded today of your presence, your faithfulness and your desire to bless him/her with your wisdom. Speak to _______________heart and give him/her your wisdom. In Jesus Name.
Closing Prayer
Father, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for your Spirit who lives in us, speaks to us, guides us and empowers us to live the lives we were created to live as your sons and daughters. I choose not to be wise in my own eyes, but instead trust in and rely confidently on you as you bless me with your wisdom in every area of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen.
