THE ACTS PRAYER MODEL

Below is the ACTS prayer model, a simple approach to prayer that focuses on God’s glory. This is more than a prayer checklist. It presents an opportunity for renewed gospel-focus and true heart-change.


ADORATION
(verb) The act of paying honor, as to a divine being; worship

We praise what we love. Over the decades many have written, “we become what we love.” To love God is to praise God. As we praise Him, we experience Him more deeply, we love Him more and become more like Him. That brings Him glory! Adoration of God motivates all other aspects of prayer. When we see God’s holiness, we see our sin, which leads to confession.
 
Deut. 10:20-21
Deut. 32:4
2 Samuel 7:22
1 Chron. 16:23-25
Nehemiah 9:5-6
Psalm 7:17
Psalm 9:1-2
Psalm 57:9-11
Psalm 63:1-7
Psalm 66:1-4
Psalm 71:14-24
Psalm 146:1-6

Praying the verses:
You are a loving God. You are constantly by my side in every walk of life. Wherever I go, you are there waiting to show yourself to me.
 
 
CONFESSION
(verb) A formal acknowledgement or admission of guilt

Confession admits that sin is first and foremost against a holy God. With godly sorrow, the Holy Spirit moves us into repentance. Repentance is the way to spiritual maturity and transformation. True transformation comes from God alone. It’s rooted in the gospel, God’s just payment for our sin. Understanding the depth of the gospel leads us to thanksgiving. In the act of confession you are asking God to remove your old, sinful ways of living. God is faithful and just to forgive sins. Through confession we are made new and more like Jesus. When you repent of a specific area, ask God to clothe you in the opposite (i.e. ask for joy instead of depression)

2 Samuel 24:10
Psalm 25:6
Psalm 32:3-5
Psalm 38:17-18
Psalm 51:1-10
Psalm 103:8-14
Psalm 130:1-4
Isaiah 1:18-20
Isaiah 59:12-13
Jonah 2:1-10
1 John 1:8-10

Praying the verses:
Oh God, would you renew my mind. Transform my desires to match that which you desire.
 

THANKSGIVING
(verb) A celebration of divine favor or kindness

When we realize that all we have is a gift from God, thanksgiving pours from our lips. Even in suffering, the early Church was marked by a spirit of thanksgiving that was fueled by eternal hope in the gospel. When we approach God with a thankful heart, we’re prepared to offer God-centered requests. Thank God for what he has already done in your life and reflect on the many blessings in your life. Thank him for his faithfulness in keeping promises in your life, those of your family and friends, and the circumstances in your life.

2 Samuel 22:48-50
1 Chron 16:8-12
1 Chron 16:23-26
Psalm 23:6
Psalm 50:14
Psalm 50:23
Psalm 69:30
Psalm 95:1,2
Psalm 118:28-29
Colossians 4:2
Romans 1:21
Hebrews 13:15

Praying the verses:
Thank you God, that you are faithful in keeping your promises to me. Thank you for the many blessings you have provided in my life.
 
 
SUPPLICATION
(verb) An act or instance of humble prayer, entreaty or petition

Rather than seek our own will and self-interest, the practice of adoration, confession and thanksgiving prepare us to seek God’s glory before our own. We root our requests in the knowledge of God and His ways. Offering our supplication to God draws us closer to Him as we intimately reveal the desires of our hearts. Offering supplication on another’s behalf binds us closer to our brothers and sisters in Christ and promotes unity within the Church. Ask the Lord to align your heart with His will through reading and praying Scripture. Remind yourself of God’s promises to you.

1 Chron 4:10
2 Chron 20:9
Psalm 18:16-19
Psalm 62:7-8
Psalm 116:1-7
Psalm 119:169-170
Psalm 142
Psalm 143:7-12
Matthew 6:9-13
Romans 15:30
Ephesians 3:14-21
Philippians 4:6-7

Praying the verses:
I offer up my will to be in line with yours, God. Grant me the desires of my heart, that they may serve your purposes for my life.