ACTS: A prayer method
By Elizabeth Prata
Here are some listening and reading encouragements: starting with prayer in the ACTS format. ACTS is a method our Elders are leading us in through our congregational prayer as we begin our services. ACTS stands for Adore, Confess, Thanks, Supplicate.
It follows what Jesus said to the Disciples when they asked Jesus to teach them to pray. (Luke 11).
A: (adore). Opening a prayer with adoring God is a good thing. The souls in heaven are saying/will say: “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13.
“Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)
C: (Confess) I confess to You Lord that though my spirit was willing to be productive today, my flesh was weak. I confess to your Lord I did not give you as much glory as you well deserve, forgive me. Lord I confess to you___ and ask your forgiveness for ___
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, and said, “Oh, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and faithfulness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned, we have done wrong, and acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from Your commandments and ordinances. (Daniel 9:4-5).
T: (thanksgiving)I am grateful that Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, I proclaim my gratitude, by which I may offer to You an acceptable service with reverence and awe; (Hebrews 12:28).
I am so grateful for you Lord, that “The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23).
S: (Supplication) Please Lord hear my request, “Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.” (Psalm 86:1).
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I call to You all day long. Bring joy to Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Psalm 86:3-4)
Further resources
READING MATERIAL
Sometimes during pregnancy, our emotions can play havoc with us, or the exhaustion makes us not want to pray. Here are two articles aimed at women during pregnancy to help combat this:
A Pregnant Woman’s Defense Against the Schemes of the Devil
Growing in your love for God during pregnancy
PODCAST
Ep. 124: An Interview with the Author of “Heart & Habits: How We Change For Good” The Women’s Hope Podcast, part of The Master’s Seminary, By Kimberly Cummings and Dr. Shelbi Cullen. Shelbi and Kim interview Greg Gifford about his book, “Heart & Habits: How We Change For Good.” Gifford, a TMU biblical counseling professor, offers insight on the relationship between our frequent practices and spiritual growth.
