Early on in my faith, I learned one way that could help me pray was A.C.T.S. Familiar to most Christians or most people exposed to church or the like at any point, it’s an acronym for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. I’ve been meeting up with a friend on campus who recently started her personal relationship and journey with Christ. When we talked about prayer, I encouraged her that it’s just talking with God and shared A.C.T.S with her as one place she could start.
Adoration – recognizing and praising God for who He is.
Confession – have I wronged others or God in some way? I need to acknowledge it, change, make it right as much as I can, being thankful that God forgives me.
Thanksgiving - as straightforward as it sounds. From turkey to health to people to provision and even difficulties cos we learn and grow from them.
Supplication – help.me/him/her/them/the world.God! In the small and big things. God loves to give good gifts so we are free to ask. For ourselves and on behalf of others.
As I was sharing how helpful and simple A.C.T.S could be, I realized I hadn’t been thinking through some of these things myself in a while. So I took some time this weekend, spending just 15 minutes thinking about A.C.T.S and wow– i should do this more often. It was so refreshing. In the quiet when I’m open to him, I see God more for who he is rather than how I’ve made him to be.
I realize I’ve skirted off things as trivial when in fact I was selfish and prideful in certain situations. I realize there are many great things in my life that I hadn’t even explicitly thanked God for. I remember others and I want good for them. I want God to to bless and enable them and that they would more fully experience him. I realize I want to more fully experience him! It’s funny how I can consciously forget that sometimes. And, I’m reminded with confidence and assurance that the God of the universe is on my side– he is for me– so, I’m good to go even in uncertain or strenuous circumstances. I understand the Gospel again and Jesus becomes more precious to me.
I had a day like that today. So good to spend time with God