ACTS: A Pattern for Prayer

A few years ago I did a study on prayer.

It transformed my prayer life.

One of the hardest but most necessary 

things to do is BE STILL,

to be quiet enough before the Lord to hear His voice. 

So many times, our prayers become 

me-me-me prayers

I-need, I-need, I-need prayers

redundant and no more than

childhood prayers of

"Now I lay me down to sleep."

I learned the ACTS method 

that has become more than a method, 

but a natural way of communing with God.

Adoration

I spend the first few moments of my time 

with the Lord simply expressing how much I adore Him.

I often read a Psalm to him or express 

the character and attributes of WHO HE is.

I have listened to music
and expressed my Adoration in this way.

Confession

As Isaiah, when I see Him high and lifted up, 

I realize, "Woe am I, a man of unclean lips,"

and I realize my sinfulness.  Confession will follow.

Thanksgiving

Thankfulness for his precious gift of salvation

always follows confession

which opens up a heart full of thanksgiving 

for His multitude of blessings. 

Supplication

Our prayers for ourselves and others, 

our petitions are then presented to God.

Knowing WHO HE is, having expressed praise 

and thanksgiving with a clean heart, 

I am able to come boldly to the throne 

and make my needs known.

Prayer is a privilege! 

Bonnie:)