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Answer
The ACTS formula for prayer has been taught to children and new believers for many years. ACTS is an acronym that provides a fundamental model on how to pray: with Adoration, with Confession, with Thanksgiving, and with Supplication. While prayer formulas can assist us in learning to pray, they do not necessarily enhance the effectiveness of our prayers or guarantee that our prayers will be answered. This prayer model is loosely based on the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), except for thanksgiving.
The ACTS model for prayer encompasses these components:
Adoration – The A in the ACTS model represents adoration, which entails worship—glorifying and exalting God. Through adoration, we demonstrate our loyalty and admiration for our Father. While praying, we are urged to worship God in adoration. This could involve singing a praise to Him, praying a psalm of worship, proclaiming His attributes, or engaging in various other forms of worship.
Confession – The C in the ACTS model signifies confession. The term confess means “to agree with.” When we confess our sins, we acknowledge with God that we have erred and sinned against Him through our words, thoughts, or actions. God pardons us and restores our communion with Him “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).
Thanksgiving – The T symbolizes thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6 states, “With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (ESV). How does thanksgiving differ from adoration? The distinction lies in that worship f
Focuses on who God is; thanksgiving focuses on what God has done. We can thank God for many things including His love, salvation, protection, and provision.
Supplication – The S stands for supplication, which refers to prayer for our and others’ needs. A supplication is a request or petition. We may pray for mercy “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; Have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.”, (Psalm 4:1), leading “Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; Make thy way straight before my face.”, (Psalm 5:8), wisdom “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”, (James 1:5), and much more. Paul encouraged us to make “supplication for all the saints” “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;”, (Ephesians 6:18, ESV), which means to pray diligently for our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Is the ACTS formula for prayer biblical? The acronym itself isn’t found in the Bible, but it can serve as a guide, especially when we are learning how to pray. Remember, prayer isn’t a formula, and each prayer doesn’t have to cover every type of prayer. God wants us to talk from our hearts and express ourselves to Him. As we grow in our love for Jesus Christ, we will naturally desire to talk to Him more.
