How to Pray the ACTS Prayer Method

Have you tried the ACTS Prayer method?

Prayer is such a powerful way to connect with God. It’s one of the most important spiritual disciplines we should practice and grow in as believers.

The Bible tells us to “never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-NLT) God is always available and ready to listen to our prayers and answer them. But so many times we wonder how we should pray.

The ACTS Prayer Method is one of the most effective ways to learn how to pray. It helps to focus your prayers and pray according to God’s Word and His will.

Let’s dig deeper and found out what this prayer model is about.

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What is the ACTS Prayer Method

The ACTS Prayer was first published by a pastor in the 1800s. It’s been used ever since as a notable guide to prayer.

While you may be tempted to think the method is found in Acts, a New Testament Book of the Bible, it is not. The ACTS prayer acronym stands for:

• Adoration
• Confession
• Thanksgiving
• Supplication

This method of prayer helps us to have balance when we’re connecting with God. It helps us avoid rambling and drifting while in prayer.

It keeps prayer focused on what is important and is aligned with God’s principles. 

For new believers and those new to prayer or worried they won’t say the right thing, the ACTS method provides a helpful framework. It serves as the perfect guide to begin their prayer journey and encourages them to develop their personal prayer style as they grow in their faith.

Some people may find themselves repeating the same prayers every day, which can lead to a sense of stagnation in their spiritual life. The ACTS method encourages diversity in prayer content by encompassing different aspects of communication with God, making prayer more dynamic and engaging.

Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

The ACTS Prayer Model Explained

Now that we know the acronym of the ACTS model, it’s time to dip deeper. We will go through each letter and show how scripture supports the ACTS Prayer Model.

The ACTS prayer model offers a balanced approach to prayer, ensuring that it’s not just a laundry list of personal requests but a time of worship, self-reflection, thanksgiving, and caring for others. It provides a structured framework to deepen one’s relationship with God and cultivate a meaningful prayer life. 

As we go through this, you’ll see that this model can be used by both adults and kids as it’s easy to follow and remember.

Adoration

The first letter in the ACTS prayer is adoration. When we worship God for who He is, recognizing his majesty, glory, and magnificence, we are showing our adoration to Him.

Adoration is the starting point for expressing our love, appreciation, and devotion to God. We are focusing here on God’s character and who He is not what He has done for us.

The Lord is worthy of our worship and adoration. He is mighty and there is none like Him.

One powerful verse in the Bible says this about worshipping God:

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.” Revelations 4:11 (NLT)

By starting our daily prayer with adoration and focusing on God’s attributes and character, the ACTS method helps individuals shift their mindset away from a self-centered approach to prayer. It encourages them to recognize God’s sovereignty and goodness before bringing their own needs and concerns.

Confession

The prayer of confession and asking God’s forgiveness naturally follows our adoration of God. When we understand how big, holy, and majestic God is, we can’t help but look inward and realize we fall short of His glory.

We are sinners who were found by God’s grace and saved because of His incredible love for us. But we don’t follow God’s ways and obey what He says in the Bible. That’s why we confess our sins to God.

Confessing our sins comes from a humble and broken spirit. We have to see that when we sin, we sin against God. When we repent, we should take all steps necessary so we don’t actively keep repeating the same sin and confessing it.

The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We should ask Him to help us overcome the sin and temptations that can easily enslave us and stop us from enjoying a wonderful relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Thanksgiving

Once we have confessed our sins and received God’s promise of forgiveness, we can then give thanks to God. Embraceing the spirit of Thanksgiving shows that we appreciate what God has given us.

It’s so easy in this modern world to always want more and more stuff. Technology is moving at such a fast pace and keeps us discontent with what we have.

There’s a desire for newer and faster models being created in us. This could be TVs, cellphones, cars, watches, and all things technology.

But God wants us to consider the present and be grateful. Being thankful for what we have while waiting on God for what we still need, helps us trust God. He is faithful to provide for His children because He is a loving father.

So, what do we give God thanks for? This is where gratitude prompts become important. They remind us to be grateful for the physical gifts we have such as family, shelter, food, and cars.

We’re also reminded that we have spiritual gifts to be thankful for such as God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, grace, and salvation.

Supplication

Supplication is a fancy word for making requests or petitions. In this step, the person prays for their own needs and desires, as well as praying on behalf of others, such as family, friends, community, and even global concerns.

The ACTS model prayer flips our usual way of praying. Many times, we go to God with a grocery list of what we want Him to do.

But God first wants us to first worship Him, cleanse ourselves so that we come to Him with a clean heart, and show that we are grateful for what we have. This helps us to make sure we are asking God-centered requests. Then He is open to hearing our requests.

As a gracious and loving God, He answers our prayers and honors our requests. We can ask Him for anything and everything. There’s no silly prayer to God.

Lay your burdens and worries before God and trust Him to answer and give you peace.

ACTS Prayer Model Example

Now that we’ve taken a deep dive into the ACTS prayer method, let’s look at an example of this model. This sample prayer will help you see how you can use the model in action and is a good start to practicing the ACTS prayer model.

Remember one of the keys to effective prayer is repeating God’s word and declaring His promises.  

Adoration

Heavenly Father, you are the Creator of the heavens and earth. I worship and exalt you, Lord. You are Holy and there is none like you. I give you glory today as l stand in awe of your beauty.

You are our provider, our strength, redeemer, helper, and friend. Father, you’re worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You are the beginning and end, the Prince of Peace and our salvation. I bless your name today.

Confession

Lord, as l stand before you, l recognize and admit that I am a sinner. I humble myself before You and ask You to cleanse me and my heart.

Your word says when we confess our sins you are faithful to forgive us and cleanse us. l have sinned against you knowingly and unknowingly. Forgive me of my sins Lord and help me to obey your word.

I repent and turn to Your word to heal me and guide me into leading a life that is pleasing to You. Holy Spirit, help me in my weakness and remind me of God’s word when I’m faced with temptation and sin.

Thanksgiving

My God, thank you for your forgiveness and your amazing grace which is sufficient for me, even in my weakness. I am in awe of your love and acceptance of me as your child. Thank you for showing me mercy.

I am grateful for the family you’ve given me, a place to stay, my friends, my church, and even the finances l have. My heart is full of thanks for you are good to me always God.

Supplication

Today Lord l come to you asking you to protect my kids against harm. There is so much danger and temptation in the world and l pray that you will protect them.

Help my children stay on the path that leads to eternal life and live in a way that brings honor to Your name.

So many times, l find myself worrying about the future. Lord, teach me to trust in You and your power and give me the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Thank you for hearing my prayer today, Lord. I pray all this in Jesus’ name. Amen

This is a short but powerful prayer. So many times, we think long prayers are what God answers but they can end up being repetitive and distracting.

What we need is to pray effectively. And this example of the ACTS prayer model is an excellent way to do that.

Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!

Pray With Confidence Using the ACTS Prayer Model

The ACTS Prayer model is a favorite prayer model among Christians. It proves to be a valuable and versatile approach for both those new to prayer and individuals seeking to enhance their prayer life. For newcomers, its simple and structured format offers guidance and alleviates the uncertainty often associated with prayer. 

By incorporating adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, new believers gain a balanced prayer experience that deepens their relationship with God, encourages spiritual growth, and fosters a heart of gratitude. For those seeking to improve their prayer life, the ACTS model provides a refreshing framework to break free from repetitive patterns and ensures a more comprehensive and intentional prayer practice. 

Its emphasis on adoration and intercession broadens their perspective, leading to a more meaningful connection with God and a greater focus on the needs of others. Whether new or seasoned, the ACTS Prayer model continues to serve as a helpful and transformative tool to enrich one’s spiritual journey through the power of prayer.

Are you ready to take your prayer time to the next level?

The ACTS prayer method is the perfect way to actually focus on what is important according to God’s word.

When you pray in a structured manner, it gives you a guide to follow so you don’t feel lost and overwhelmed when talking to God.

Prayer can be intimidating for us as believers. But the ACTS prayer model makes prayer doable and manageable so we can pray with confidence and make prayer a daily habit.

This is God’s will for us as His children.

If you are ready to take your prayer life to a whole new level, be sure to try some additional creative but powerful prayer methods!

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