ACTS Prayer Method & Worksheet

Have you ever been stuck, wondering what to pray? You’re not alone… In this article, you are going to learn the ACTS prayer method. By time you are done with this article, you will be reciting the ACTS prayer acronym and have a worksheet to get you started!

Years ago, God brought a mentor into my life for some much needed guidance. I smile now as I reflect back – God always knows exactly what I need and provides accordingly. Back then, I didn’t know I needed a mentor, nor did I pray for one. But, a mentor is just what I got!

One afternoon, I was sitting across from her spilling my heart and my hurts – unsure of my next step. She leaned in, nodding, eyes furrowed – clearly she saw my pain. When I was all done sharing every last bit, she leaned back in her chair and asked, “Have you been praying about it?”

I remember a lump formed in my throat. I couldn’t say anything – I shook my head no. But it was the next question that I paused over – “Why not?”

Why Not Pray?

The room sat quiet – I had a lot of thoughts running through my mind. I wondered if God really heard my prayers. Did God even wanna know my prayers? If He did, what would I say? Where would I start? I was flooded with doubt.

After what seemed like an eternity, I softly choked out the words, “I don’t know what to say.” She laughed – “You’re just having a conversation with God.”

Now, when I don’t know what to say, I go back to the ACTS prayer method. Honestly, ACTS prayer guide is how my prayers are naturally structured these days.

Praying is an area I have to be very intentional. It simply doesn’t come naturally. But God tells us to pray without ceasing.

…Pray continually… 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Paul beckons us to boldly entered the throne room for more mercy and grace.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

And we are assured He hears the prayers of His people.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him. 1 John 5:14-15

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. 1 Peter 3:12

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12- 13

So that brings us to the real question – why wouldn’t we pray to the One who can change everything in a single moment?

Let’s dive into the ACTS prayer method and begin exercising the privilege of prayer.

ACTS Prayer Acronym

A – Adoration

C – Confession

T – Thanksgiving

S – Supplication

ACTS Prayer Method

A – Adoration

“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:11

Adoration is the opportunity to praise God. You can do this by praising his attributes. Attributes are a fancy way of saying His characteristics. For example – “I praise you Lord because you are holy.”

Without fail, as I spend time in worship of God, my eyes become fixed on Him and my faith grows as I become aware of how big He is in comparison to me or my situation. Praising him puts my heart in about position before the Most High.

C- Confession

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Proverbs 28:13

The next letter of the ACTS prayer method is c – confession. Confession is the part of prayer when we lay our mistakes before him. This is incredibly vulnerable and open. God knows all things anyways and loves us despite our shortcomings. As we lay our sins out in the light – we are free because God is faithful to purify and cleanse us of all sin (1 John 1:9).

T – Thanksgiving

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:8-9

It is God’s will that we give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Modern research boasts of the incredible benefits of what God has said all along in His Word.

Gratitude help shift our gaze from what’s wrong to what is right. It’s impossible to experience negative emotions while practicing gratitude.

Giving thanks to God – the Giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), is an important part of prayer.

S – Supplication

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6 – 7

The last part of the ACTS prayer method is supplication. This means we are humbly asking for something. When we acknowledge who God is (adoration of his attributes), casting our cares (1 Peter 5:7) on Him is a no-brainer. Remember He can do more in a moment then we can do in a life time. God delights to hear from his people psalm 147:10-11. We are assured that he hears our prayers (Psalm 116:2).

ACTS Prayer Sample/Examples

Lord, I praise you because you are powerful, know all things and our sovereign. Please forgive me for doubting your presence. I thank you for your faithfulness even when I’m unfaithful. I ask that you protect me and my loved ones.

Father, and I praise you because you are the God who sees me and loves me unconditionally. I confess to you that I did not act in a way that honor due today. Thank you for your faithfulness to forgive. Please help me to use my words wisely in the future.

While these ACTS prayer examples are rather broad, I encourage you to be specific. When using the ACTS prayer guide I praise God for His attributes that touched me the most in that moment. I confess details, like a moment my words weren’t a blessing or a situation I lacked patience. I keep my eyes open to blessings I noticed that day and thank Him specifically for those things. And finally, I lift up the things that are heavy on my heart.

ACTS Prayer Method Wrap-Up

Let’s Recap the ACTS Acronym

A – Adoration 

C – Confession

T – Thanksgiving

S – Supplication

Don’t forget to download the free ACTS worksheet!

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