When I was a new convert I was trained to pray using the A.C.T.S. method. It is an acronym for Adoration, Confess, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. It came with a journal with space to record each act. It gave an explanation and instruction for each word. Have I spent time adoring the Lord in worship? Are there any sins I need to confess? Have I expressed my thankfulness? Is there anyone who needs prayer? Have I shared what’s on my heart? A.C.T.S. was meant to be a guide. Being new to prayer, I had no idea what to pray or what it should sound like. It was a big help. Prayer isn’t fulfilling a list and then checking it off. Adoration, check. Confess, check and so on. It is connecting to God.
Just think, the creator of the all of the heavens and earth invites us to join with Him in advancing His kingdom. He could of chose another way but He desires us to pray, to communicate with Him. Not just a list of our wants and needs, but also listening to Him. It takes training to hear Him. He’s always speaking, we don’t slow down enough to listen. We’re too busy talking.
Jesus Himself prayed. He is our example. He even left us a model we can follow (Matt. 6:9-13, Luke 11:24). Prayer is the key to the heart of God. It is in prayer we experience a change of heart, our burdens are lifted, our sins are forgiven, our wounds are healed, our sorrow turned to joy. It is in prayer we humble ourselves before God. We are reminded that we are not in control, He is. He’s God and we’re not. We need Him.
It is in prayer we confront evil (Eph. 6:12) using the authority granted to us by Jesus (Luke 10:19, 2 Cor. 10:4-6). If we don’t like what’s going on in our families, pray. The world, pray. So many talk about prayer, but few actually pray. PRAY! We have not because we ask not (James 4:2b). God knows our every thought before we speak but He still requires us to ask. It is in obedience we pray and He is faithful to answer.
I would love to hear from you. You can leave a comment below or email at [email protected]
Rev. Denise Much
Denise, this devotional is perfect and just what I needed to hear today. Love you girlfriend ? Laurie
Thanks, Laurie
Sorry for the delay in my reply, I just now saw your comment. I’m still getting use to the program.
I was just sitting here thinking I need to put down my “to do” list (which is what has me on the computer to begin with) and spend some time with God. I’m going to do that right now. Thank you so much, Denise, for your timely (and thorough) reminder of why this is so important.