A simple pattern for prayer

The A.C.T.S. prayer model with examples

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name.

— Psalm 100:4 (BSB)

Most of us pray when we need something, and that is fine: God invites us to ask. But a pattern helps us pray more fully. The four parts of A.C.T.S. echo the prayer Jesus taught (praise, forgiveness, daily needs) and the Psalms, which move between praise, confession, thanks and asking.

1. A

   Adoration

   Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.

   — Psalm 145:3 (BSB)

   Start with who God is, not with what you need. Praise Him for His holiness, His love, His faithfulness, His power. Adoration turns your eyes from your problems to the One who is bigger than all of them.

   Example: Lord, You are holy and good. Your greatness is unsearchable. You made the heavens and You know my name. I praise You.

   • What is one thing about God that amazes you today?
   • Pray a line of a psalm back to Him.
   • Name Him: Father, Shepherd, King, Savior.
2. C

   Confession

   If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

   — 1 John 1:9 (BSB)

   Be honest with God about your sin, specifically. Not to earn His forgiveness, but because He promises it. Confession clears the air between you and God and keeps your heart soft.

   Example: Father, I confess that I was impatient and harsh with my family this morning, and that I worried instead of trusting You. Forgive me and make me new.

   • Where have I fallen short since I last prayed?
   • Is there anyone I need to forgive, or ask forgiveness from?
   • Receive His forgiveness; don’t keep carrying it.
3. T

   Thanksgiving

   Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

   — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (BSB)

   Thank God for what He has done: the big things (salvation in Christ, answered prayers) and the small ones (a warm meal, a kind word). Thanksgiving is remembering, and remembering builds faith.

   Example: Thank You, Lord, for saving me, for my family, for the friend who called yesterday, and for the way You provided this month.

   • Name three specific things from the last day.
   • Thank Him for an answered prayer.
   • Thank Him for Jesus.
4. S

   Supplication

   Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

   — Philippians 4:6-7 (BSB)

   Now ask. Supplication means humble asking, for others (intercession) and for yourself. Bring the real requests, big and small, and leave them with Him.

   Example: Lord, please heal my friend’s mother. Give our pastor strength this week. Help me in my conversation with my boss. Your will be done.

   • Pray for your family by name.
   • Pray for your church, your leaders and someone who doesn’t know Jesus.
   • Bring your own needs, and trust Him with the answers.

A full A.C.T.S. prayer example

Pray it with your family or group

• Take turns. One person leads each letter, or go around the room for each one.
• Confession can be silent. In a group, give a minute of quiet for each person to confess privately, then thank God together for His forgiveness.
• With kids, use simple words: ‘God, You are… / I’m sorry for… / Thank You for… / Please help…’
• Need more to pray for? Use the prayer points with Scriptures for the supplication part.

Other ways to pray

• The Lord’s Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught
• Today’s short prayer, with a voice to pray along
• Prayer points with Scriptures for your church, family and nation
• The S.O.A.P. method for reading the Bible and praying it

Questions