How to Guide for the ACTS Prayer Method: A Simple Guide
Do you ever sit down to pray and suddenly your mind goes blank? You’re not alone! Prayer can feel a bit intimidating or awkward at times, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. Enter the ACTS Prayer Method—a simple, four-step (actually five, but we’ll get to that) approach that gives you some structure to your prayer time. It’ll help you avoid those awkward silences and keep you focused. Let’s break it down in a fun and easy way!
ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication, and (drum roll please…) Reflection—five steps that can turn your prayer life from “meh” to meaningful. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Adoration
Let’s start with adoration—and no, I’m not talking about adoring your favorite snack (though, shout out to pizza!). Adoration means giving God the praise He deserves. It’s all about focusing on who God is—His love, power, and holiness. It’s like giving God a standing ovation before diving into the rest of your prayer.
Take a moment to tell God what you love about Him. You’re not asking for anything here—just appreciating who He is.
Example: “God, You are amazing! Your love never changes, and You’re always faithful even when I’m not. You created the entire universe, yet You care about my little life. I’m in awe of You.”
Scripture to Help:
- Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
- Psalm 103:1 – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.”
Step 2: Confession
Time to get real. Confession is when you come to God with your mistakes—whether it’s something small like being a little grumpy (hey, we’ve all been there), or something bigger. The great thing is, God’s not shocked by our mess-ups, and He’s always ready to forgive.
Take a moment to think about where you’ve fallen short and bring it to God. Confession is more than just admitting guilt; it’s also about turning away from those things and asking God for help.
Example: “God, I confess that I haven’t been patient lately, especially with my family. I know I’ve been quick to snap, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and help me be more loving and kind.”
Scripture to Help:
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.”
- Psalm 32:5 – “Then I acknowledged my sin to you… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Step 3: Thanksgiving
Now it’s time for a gratitude party! Thanksgiving is all about thanking God for what He’s done. From the big things like your health or family to the small things like a sunny day or your favorite cup of coffee, there’s always something to be grateful for.
Start by reflecting on your blessings and thanking God for them. Gratitude shifts your mindset and helps you focus on the positive—even on tough days.
Example: “Thank You, God, for waking me up this morning, for the food on my table, and for friends who support me when I need it most. Thank You for Your love that never ends.”
Scripture to Help:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
- Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.”
Step 4: Supplication
Supplication sounds like a big word, but it’s really just about asking God for what you (and others) need. This is where you bring your personal requests to God, whether it’s asking for strength to get through a tough week or praying for a friend who’s going through a hard time. God cares about all the details of your life, so don’t hold back!
Example: “Lord, please help me to be calm and confident during my job interview tomorrow. I also lift up my friend who’s been struggling with her health—please bring her healing and peace.”
Scripture to Help:
- Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.”
Step 5: Reflection
Now, here’s the part most people forget—reflection. After you’ve prayed, it’s important to take time to reflect on your prayers. Did God answer? If so, how? If not, maybe He’s working behind the scenes or waiting for the right time. Reflection helps you see how God is at work in your life, even when things don’t turn out the way you expected.
Grab a journal (or the worksheet linked below) and write down what you prayed for, then revisit it regularly. You’ll be amazed at how God answers your prayers in ways you might not have noticed otherwise.
And remember, God always answers prayers. It’s either yes, no, or not yet. (Personally, I find that “not yet” one to be the toughest, but that’s where faith comes in!)
Conclusion:
There you have it—the ACTS Prayer Method, now with a bonus reflection step! Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication, and Reflection. It’s a simple yet powerful way to deepen your prayer life and build a stronger connection with God.
Ready to get started? Download the free ACTS Prayer Worksheet to guide you through each step. And don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. The more you use this method, the more natural it will feel.
Who knows? Maybe you’ll even start enjoying prayer time as much as your morning coffee (okay, that’s a stretch, but it could happen!). 😊
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