Have you tried using the ACTS prayer model to take your prayer life to a new level?
Modern life is often fast-paced and demanding, leaving little time for prayer and spiritual activities. People may struggle to find a quiet and dedicated time for prayer amidst their busy schedules.
But prayer is one of the most important things we can do to maintain a close relationship with God. There are many different ways to pray, but the ACTS model may be the simplest and easiest way for new believers or those who struggle trying to say the right thing during their prayer time.
The ACTS prayer model provides a structured way for believers to approach their prayer time, ensuring that they cover various aspects of their relationship with God.
Let’s dive in and take a closer look at what ACTS stands for, how to use it in your daily prayer time, and why you should consider using it.
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What is the ACTS Prayer Model
The ACTS prayer model is a simple way to help us focus our prayer time to be more intentional and impactful. It is also a great way for new believers to start praying without feeling overwhelmed because it gives us four specific areas to focus on (in a specific order).
Why is the order important? Simple. Our natural tendency is to make our prayer time about us, about OUR needs. But that simply isn’t what prayer is for! Prayer is to help us grow closer in our relationship with God. The ACTS method of prayer helps us keep God as the focus of the conversation instead of ourselves.
The ACTS prayer acronym stands for:
- Adoration
- Confession
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication.
Let’s dive deeper into each of these and also reference the importance through God’s word.
Adoration
Adoration means loving God with all your heart and mind as you praise Him in song or prayerful silence. Start your prayer time by simply praising God for who He is. When we start our prayer time by praising God, this helps us keep our eyes fixed on Him during this time.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1 NIV
The adoration part of the ACTS prayer model focuses on expressing praise, worship, and awe towards God for who He is. It is a time of acknowledging and celebrating the attributes and character of God.
Adoration is an essential aspect of prayer because it helps shift the focus away from ourselves and our needs, directing it towards God’s greatness and majesty.
Adoration often includes praising God’s name and using various titles and descriptions that honor His identity. For example, referring to Him as “Jehovah,” “The Most High,” “King of Kings,” or “Eternal God.”
Adoration of God is not just about what God does for us but loving and worshiping Him for who He is intrinsically. It is valuing God above all else and desiring to know Him more intimately.
Confession
Confession means to humble yourself before the Father and confess your sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. Although He already knows, He wants us to tell Him where we have fallen.
Let Him know the temptations you’ve given in to and the areas of your life and ask Him to forgive you.
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Psalm 32:5
Confession begins with honestly examining our thoughts, attitudes, actions, and motives. It requires a willingness to confront the ways in which we have strayed from God’s commands and principles.
Instead of making excuses or blaming others, confession calls us to take full responsibility for our actions and choices. It’s an acknowledgment that we are accountable for our behavior.
Confession is not just about admitting our wrongs but expressing genuine remorse and a desire to turn away from sin. True repentance involves a change of heart and a commitment to walk in God’s ways.
Confession helps us realign ourselves with God’s will and purpose for our lives. It opens the way for God to work in and through us more effectively because we now have a clean heart.
Thanksgiving
Thank God for all the many blessings He has already given you and for those that have not yet come. Even in the midst of a difficult season, it is important to always remember the blessings in your life!
God has moved before and He will move again in your life!
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:26
Thanksgiving begins by reflecting on the various ways God has blessed us. It involves taking inventory of the good things in our lives, both big and small, and acknowledging them as gifts from God.
Thanksgiving prompts us to remember how God has been faithful in the past. It reminds us of His promises and how He has always been there for us through various seasons of life.
Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to praise God for His character and attributes. We can express gratitude for His wisdom, sovereignty, kindness, and other qualities that make Him worthy of praise.
It helps us maintain a perspective of thankfulness and contentment, fostering a deeper sense of joy and trust in God’s providence. By cultivating a heart of thanksgiving, we develop a closer connection with God and recognize His goodness in all aspects of our lives.
Supplication
Supplication is the final part of the ACTS prayer model. This is where you present your prayer requests to the Father. These requests can be broken down into 3 types: God-centered requests, prayers for others, prayers for yourself.
During this time, ask Him for things that help to make you a better Christian, ask Him for things on behalf of others (think of others before yourself), but also ask for the things you are hoping for as well.
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
While we present specific requests, supplication also includes the recognition that God’s will is ultimately best. We pray with an attitude of surrender, trusting that God knows what is best for us and for those we intercede for.
Supplication involves presenting our personal needs and desires to God. This can include physical, emotional, and spiritual needs such as healing, wisdom, guidance, strength, and grace.
In addition to praying for ourselves, supplication also includes interceding on behalf of others. We bring the needs and concerns of family, friends, community, and even the broader world before God, asking Him to intervene and work in their lives.
Even in supplication, we can express gratitude for God’s faithfulness and His willingness to hear and answer our prayers.
Starting with adoration (praise and worship) before supplication (making requests) helps to shift the focus from ourselves to God.
It allows us to recognize God’s greatness, sovereignty, and love before bringing our needs and concerns to Him. Beginning with praise sets the tone for the rest of the prayer, fostering an attitude of reverence and humility.
Placing confession before thanksgiving is a biblical principle found in many verses, such as 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession of sins is crucial for maintaining a right relationship with God, and acknowledging our shortcomings helps us to approach God with a humble and contrite heart. Thanksgiving follows confession as we express gratitude for God’s forgiveness and grace.
Following a prayer model like the ACTS acronym is the perfect way to promote consistency and discipline in one’s prayer life.
When individuals have a structured approach, it may become easier to maintain a regular prayer routine and stay committed to spending time with God.
ACTS Prayer Sample
How do your write a prayer using the ACTS prayer guide?
I’m the kind of person who learns from examples. I learned to pray by simply watching the amazing prayer warriors at church. As you get started on your own prayer journey, it can be hard to just get that first sentence started.
While there is no ONE right way to write out or say the different parts of the ACTS prayer model, these sample prayers might help you get your own started. As you begin, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you through each of the sections.
Here is a sample prayer using the ACTS prayer model:
Adoration
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of adoration and praise. You are the Creator of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Almighty and Everlasting God. Your wisdom, power, and love are beyond comprehension. I stand in awe of Your majesty and grace, and I worship You with all my heart.
Confession
Dear God, I confess that I have fallen short in many ways. I acknowledge my sins and weaknesses before You. I have allowed pride to take root in my heart, and at times, I’ve neglected to show love and compassion to others. Forgive me, Father, for the times I’ve failed to seek Your guidance and relied on my own understanding. I humbly ask for Your mercy and cleansing, that I may walk in Your light and truth.
Thanksgiving
Thank You, Lord, for Your abundant blessings in my life. I’m grateful for the gift of life, for the love of my family and friends, and for the provision of my daily needs. Thank You for the answered prayers and the times You’ve carried me through challenges. I’m thankful for Your grace that covers my shortcomings and for the hope You give me each day.
Supplication
Heavenly Father, I bring my needs and the needs of others before You. Please guide me in making wise decisions and lead me on the path of righteousness. Grant me the strength to resist temptation and the courage to stand firm in my faith. I pray for healing and comfort for those who are sick or hurting, and I ask for Your peace to surround those facing difficult circumstances.
Lord, I lift up my loved ones to You. Bless them with Your presence, protection, and provision. May they experience Your love in a tangible way and draw closer to You each day.
I also pray for those who have not yet experienced Your saving grace. Open their hearts to Your truth and reveal Your love to them.
Use me as Your instrument to share the Gospel and to be a light in this world. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
As you begin praying using the ACTS prayer model, it may help to have an ACTS prayer worksheet to keep in your prayer journal or to hang on the fridge. I created a couple of different styles and designs so hopefully, you’ll find one that you like! Use this link to download them!
Our prayer lives are often cluttered and unfocused. We start new prayers without finishing old ones, or we don’t pray for anything specific at all. But God is always listening to us!
In the ACTS model of prayer, you can take a few minutes each day to have a focused conversation and intimate relationship with God.
It also helps us keep our eyes fixed on the Father and not on ourselves. Remember, prayer isn’t just for asking God to do stuff for us! We should be spending more of that time praising and thanking Him, as well as praying for others.
But keep in mind, the ACTS prayer model is just one of many approaches to prayer. While it can be helpful, the most important thing is to approach prayer with sincerity, authenticity, and a genuine desire to connect with God.
The ACTS prayer model is not meant to be a rigid formula, but rather a flexible framework that helps individuals maintain balance and focus in their prayer lives.
It encourages believers to approach God with reverence, humility, and a heart of gratitude while also expressing their personal needs and concerns. Many find it helpful in organizing their thoughts during prayer and deepening their relationship with God.
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