ABIDE Prayer: Resetting Our Hearts on God
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.
Prayer is the means in which we “reset” our hearts on God and His Kingdom. And as we set our hearts on God and His Kingdom, the Spirit works within us to lead us to pray. Today’s ABIDE contains 3 basic steps that can help us “reset” our hearts on God and His Kingdom. The steps are: 1) Humbling ourselves before God and telling him we need him, 2) Exalting God above all things, 3) Praying for others and for His glory.
“For this reason I kneel before the Father from who every family in heaven and on earth is named.” (Ephesians 3:14)
Let’s begin ABIDE with a posture of either physically kneeling (if you are able) or with your hands open as a way of humbling ourselves before God and confessing our dependence on Him.
- Take a moment to silently pray and tell your Father that you need him.
- After a moment of praying silently, pray an opening prayer such as, “God, I/we worship you and adore you. Thank you that you are here with me/us. Spirit fill me/us and lead this time of prayer.”
Prayers of Exaltation
“He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens – far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the age to come.” (Ephesians 1:20-21)
Prayer:
Jesus, we worship you and acknowledge that you are far above ______________________ (fill in the blank with whatever trials, predicaments, or battles you are facing and declare that Jesus is far above – has far more authority and power – than any trials, predicaments and battles).
Prayer for Others
“I pray that he may grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in your inner being through his Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16)
Prayer:
Jesus, I/we pray for _____________________________ (fill in the blank with whoever the Spirit puts on your mind to pray for) to be strengthened with your power, in his/her inner being through your Spirit and according to the riches of your glory.
Prayer for God’s Glory
“Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us – to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Let’s ask God to work powerfully in and through us personally, in our church, and in believers across our nation, so that Jesus is clearly made known and He receives glory.
Prayer:
Jesus, we need you! We need your power in us to change us, transform us and make yourself known to us and through us.
- Tell Jesus specifically where you need him to change you or transform your life, family or our nation. Call out to Jesus to do a powerful work in the hearts of his sons and daughters for the glory of His name!
Closing Prayer: Jesus, we love you and we need you. Thank you that you rule and reign far above anything in this world and in our lives. As we gather to study your Scriptures today, we thank you for being with us. Thank you that your Spirit is here, speaking to our hearts and guiding us into truth. Help us receive from you what you have for us today. We pray you are blessed and honored as we gather as your sons and daughters. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
