A.C.T.S. is an acronym that many people have used over the years as an outline for their prayers. There are several variations of this plan that focuses on some of the fundamentals of prayer. I have taken one of them and adapted it just a little bit. Perhaps it will be of some benefit to you.

 “A” is for “adoration”. A good way to begin a prayer is with worship. There are many prayers in Scripture that recognize God’s awesome holiness. God alone is worthy of such adoration. Psalm 95:6-7 urges us, “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” This verse stresses how we should approach God, by humbly bowing before him and recognizing his Lordship of our lives. Scripture says that he is worthy to be worshiped for who he is and what he does. So, a good place to start our prayer is with adoration.

“C” stands for “confession”. Every time we pray is an opportunity to admit our sins and shortcomings to God. Psalm 32:5 says, “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” The New Testament also instructs us to practice confession in our prayers. 1 John 1:8-10 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” We can’t hide our sins from God. He knows what we have done wrong. The best approach is to confess our sins when we pray to him.

“T” is for “thanksgiving”. Gratefulness is a key ingredient to our prayers. We should be extremely thankful for all the many blessings that God showers on us constantly. Phil.4: 6 implores us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Too often we start asking God for things before we have properly thanked him for the things he has already given us! Let’s make sure we take some time to be grateful in our daily prayers.

“S” stands for “supplication”. This is the part of prayer where we ask God for his blessings, both physical and spiritual. I refer you once again to Phil.4:6, which says that after you have expressed your thanks, then you can “present your requests to God.” We should never cease to be amazed that the God who created the universe is willing not only to listen to our prayers, but also to respond to the requests that we make for ourselves and for others.

I hope that this exercise in prayer is beneficial to you and that it helps you to deepen your relationship with God.