The ACTS Prayer
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” (CEV)
Maddie snuggled under the covers.
“Good night, Maddie,” said her mom as she turned off the light. “Don’t forget to say your prayers.”
“I won’t,” Maddie answered before quickly saying the same prayer she said every night for as long as she could remember. But when she finished, she wondered if maybe there was a different way to pray. A way that felt like she was actually having a conversation with God.
Have you ever felt that way? Are you tired of always saying the same words when you pray? Or have you wondered if maybe there was a different way to talk to God?
Actually, there are lots of different ways to pray. One of them is called an ACTS Prayer. Each letter stands for a different section of the prayer.
A is for adoration. In this type of prayer, we praise God for who he is and what he has done.
C is for confession. This is when we tell God we’re sorry for the ways we’ve disobeyed God and hurt others.
T is for thanksgiving. Here is where we get to thank God for everything he has done for us: big and small.
S is supplication, which is a fancy way of saying we ask God to take care of us and those we care about—and supply our needs too.
Over the next few devotions, we’re going to learn more about each section and find out what they’re all about.
Prayer
[adoration] Holy Father, it’s so amazing that you created the sky, the sea, and me. [confession] I’m sorry for the times I say mean things about people, because I know it not only hurts them, but it hurts you. Please forgive me. [thanksgiving] Thank you for forgiving me, loving me, and giving me what I need. [supplication] Please help me at school or when I’m with my family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Related Resources
Christina Van Starkenburg
Christina Van Starkenburg is an award-winning freelance writer and author of The Key Thief and One Tiny Turtle: A Story You Can Colour. In her free time, she enjoys reading, dancing, and exploring the world with her husband and three kids. Visit her at www.christinavanstarkenburg.com to read more.