Talking to God through prayer is one of the most intimate experiences you can have with our Heavenly Father. Although a simple concept and possible for all, many don’t pray for fear of “not praying correctly.” Prayer can sometimes seem intimidating or difficult if you don’t know what to say or where to begin. When you want to pray but don’t know what to say, the A.C.T.S. prayer method can help to make prayer easy for you to do on a daily basis.
Because of preconceived notions and ideas, many people shy away from the idea of prayer. As a result, many people don’t pray as often as they should. Not knowing what to say coupled with feelings of fear and uncertainty can make talking with God seem like a burdensome task.
Amid all the naysayers, I’m here to encourage you that prayer does not have to be hard. On the contrary, one session of prayer can leave you feeling better than before. Think of prayer as having a heart-to-heart conversation with Jesus. If you could talk to Him right now, what would you say? Where would you two have the conversation?
Therefore, if you are feeling intimidated at the thought of prayer or praying, don’t let it discourage you from making small steps to communicate with God each day. In fact, prayer comes in many forms and can be done in many ways. While there is no “perfect way” to pray, it is always best to approach the Lord in prayer with a humble and believing heart. The bible tells us that when we pray, God hears us. Whenever you go to God in prayer, confidently believe in your heart that He is listening to you.
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
1 John 5:14
What can I do to make prayer easy?
I use the A.C.T.S. Prayer Method.
The A.C.T.S. prayer method is an easy-to-follow method for prayer that helps to focus your thoughts and attention on God. The acronym A.C.T.S. stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. The easy-to-follow 4-step method guides you through what to say and declare as you speak to God in prayer.
When to Use This Method
The A.C.T.S. prayer method is perfect to use during your daily devotion time if you want to cultivate a deeper relationship with God through prayer. For this reason, I personally like to use the A.C.T.S. method to help guide me through early morning prayer as I start my day. As a result, I have become more optimistic and confident about praying consistently every day.
What time of day do you have a few quiet, peaceful moments to set aside and talk to the Lord? Perhaps you have a few quiet moments in the morning or in the evening before bed. Maybe the calmest part of your day is in the afternoon while your kids are taking a nap. Making time to pray is just as equally as important as finding the time to spend with a close friend. As you make time for God, He will likewise make time to meet you right where you are. And what could be better than that?
In general, there is no right or wrong time to pray. In fact, the scriptures tell us to “pray without ceasing” meaning we should always be praying. Whether a small prayer under your breath or singing a loud joyful song unto the Lord, you can pray and praise God whenever and wherever you want to. You can talk with God in prayer anywhere, anytime.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
How to Use the A.C.T.S. Prayer Method
Since you now know what the A.C.T.S. prayer method is, here are instructions on how to start and follow the 4-step method.
First, find a place where you can pray in peace. Next, quiet your mind and relax. Overall, know that God wants to hear from you, and open your heart towards Him. In addition to preparing your heart, use the following steps and begin to pray in your own words.
- A – Adoration. Humble yourself before the Lord and express adoration for your Heavenly Father. Praise the Lord for who He is and all of His attributes. (Isaiah 25:1)
- Example: “Heavenly Father, you are amazing in all of your ways…”
- Example: “Oh Lord, how excellent you are!…”
- C- Confession. Acknowledge your sins before God. Confess and ask for forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)
- Example: “God, I am asking for your forgiveness. Please forgive me for…”
- Example: “Heavenly Father, I made a mistake. I am confessing to you…”
- T – Thanksgiving. Express your gratitude to God. Thank Him for all He has done, and all He will do. Share with Him all you are thankful for. (Psalm 69:30)
- Example: “Lord, thank you for all that you have done and provided for me…”
- Example: “Heavenly Father, thank you for protecting me from…”
- S – Supplication. Earnestly present your requests to the Lord. Share your needs with God and request His help for yourself and for others. (Phillippians 4:6)
- Example: “God, this is not easy and I need your help…”
- Example: “Lord, I am coming to you on behalf of my family asking that you…”
At the present time, practice saying simple prayers every day. Every so often, take no more than 5 minutes to thank and praise God for who He is and what He has done for you. A little prayer can go a long way.
The more you practice talking to God in prayer, the more comfortable you will become with communing with your Heavenly Father. On the contrary, when you don’t pray, you miss the opportunity to build an intimate relationship with Him. Despite your preconceived notions of what prayer is, don’t be afraid to tell the Lord how you feel. You are His child and He is waiting to hear from you! I hope that the A.C.T.S. method can help you to become more confident while praying as much as it has helped me.
“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.”
John 9:31
Do you want to try the S.O.A.P. Method for yourself? Click here to get the Quiet Time With Jesus A.C.T.S. Prayer printable for your personal collection!
