Tag: adoration

How to Pray

On By vickleaIn ScriptureLeave a comment

I like to pray the scriptures and today I am using the acronym ACTS to show you all an example.

ACTS=

Adoration

Confession

Thanksgiving

Supplication

Adoration

Adoration is worshipping our Creator for who He is, not what He has done for us.

Confession

I had a roommate in college who kept a written list of all that she needed to confess when she went to confession that weekend. We don’t have to go to a priest to confess because God has opened the way directly to Him through Jesus. No list is needed…just speak from your heart what the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, the things that you know do not please God. Psalm 51 is a prayer of confession by David that I have often used to start my confession time with God.

Thanksgiving

This is the time when I turn up the praise music that has been background during my prayer time and sing along, praising God and thanking Him for all He has done, first for me, then for my family, then friends and finally for those in the world.

Supplication

Supplication is when we ask God for what we need, the things that are overwhelming our hearts and minds. It’s good for me to start supplication with this verse, to remind me that all of God’s answers are because of His grace for us and the salvation that He has provided for us prepares a way for us to approach His throne.

I know it doesn’t fit into the acronym, but I always end my prayers with a praise and thanksgiving again. It’s what I call a “sandwich” prayer. I start with adoration and thanksgiving and end with the same.

I hope that this post has blessed you and helped you to see how approachable and loving our God is. Prayer is not just something one should do on Sunday, in the pew at church, but everyday during your quiet time with God.

The ACTS Prayer Pattern

On By vickleaIn praise, prayer, Scripture, Song4 Comments

“A” stands for “adoration.” I believe that every prayer should start with adoration for God for Who He is.

Praise Ye The Lord

“C” is for confession. There should never be a time when you have not willingly confessed your sins to the Lord. All of us are sinners saved by grace and we need to remember where we came from, what He brought us out of.

Forgive Me, Lord

“T” is for thanksgiving for what the Lord has done in your life. Everything we have and all that we are is from Him.

Thankful Heart-Petra

Finally, “S” is supplication. This is telling God what you need and most of us usually start and end and even have this part of prayer as our entire prayer. It is the last thing that we should be approaching the throne for. After adoration, confession and thanksgiving, then we tell God what our needs are, the ones that only He can meet.

Hear My Cry-Maranatha

I generally end my prayers with thanksgiving again, but the pattern above is one that is easy to remember and to follow. I am not saying that all should follow this pattern because I am not a legalistic. I am just suggesting that whatever you pray and however and whenever, you need to remember to include praise, confession and adoration along with your requests. God is your Father, not Santa Claus who brings all the goodies your heart desires. He is your Father who wants what is best for all of us. He may not answer our prayers right away, but His timing is always perfect.