Thursday, February 27, 2014

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:)

11 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful guide to praying. Thank you!

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  2. The ACTS method is one of my very favorite ones! Works every time!

    Judy

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  3. Thank you for this post of prayer.

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  4. Thanks for a beautiful post. God bless you this evening.

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  5. Indeed my friend..it is. Blessings

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  6. It sure is! I've used the ACTS guide in the past, and am happy to be reminded of it again.

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  7. Prayer is definitely a privilege, A very good post.

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  8. What a great guide to prayer, Bonnie. I have a hard time "being still"....it is contrary to my nature. I am a "doer" and feel guilty when I am still. xo Diana

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  9. Wow, what a post, Bonnie! Is it okay if I write this down in my journal to keep handy? I truly appreciate
    your posts - thank you, dear friend! Enjoy your weekend!

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  10. Yes prayer IS a privilege! I ALWAYS start my prayers "Thank you Lord for your blessings on me"! I hope you have an incredibly blessed day dear friend, HUGS!

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  11. Dear Bonnie,
    This is such an amazing way to pray. Many have asked to me, how to so spend long time in prayers and I used to say "think about God's love,His cross and the sacrifices He made for us, you'll simply be praying".
    I think, I can share with such people this post.
    I'm visiting from "Got a Minute or Two" Wanda's blog. Have become your new follower too:).

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