Wondering what the ACTS Prayer model is, or looking for resources to help you in your ACTS prayer? You’ve come to the right place.
Learn more about what the ACTS Prayer method is, and find a printable ACTS Prayer model at the end of this post.
Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to refresh your routine, this simple acronym can guide you through four essential steps of prayer. The ACTS acronym stands for these elements of prayer:
- Adoration
- Confession
- Thanksgiving
- Supplication (Prayer Requests)
This information can also be helpful if you want to share the ACTS Prayer model with a Bible study, youth group, or other ministry setting. The free guide and worksheet are also useful for sharing with friends and family.
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Why follow the ACTS Model of Prayer?
Prayer is a direct line of communication with God, as seen in Hebrews 4:16.
“Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16
The ACTS method of prayer provides a framework to focus on God’s attributes, repent of sin, express gratitude to God, and present our requests to Him. It’s a valuable tool to guide your prayer life without imposing too rigid a structure.
Some might not want to use a prayer model at all, saying that the Holy Spirit should be the one to guide us in our powerful prayers. And He does! But it is ok to use a prayer model as a way to stay focused on prayer, always being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
While the ACTS acronym may not be explicitly found in the Bible, its elements are rooted in biblical principles.
The Lord’s Prayer, found in Luke 11:2-4, offers a foundational example. Though not following the ACTS sequence, it clearly covers adoration, confession, and supplication.
For instance, “May your name be kept holy” (Luke 11:2) aligns with adoration, and seeking forgiveness (verse 4) relates to confession. “Give us day by day our daily bread,” is the supplication of the prayer.
It arguably does not cover thanksgiving, but gratitude towards God has always been a priority for Christians, as seen in Scripture many times. Psalm 100:4 reminds us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.”
With these aspects covered, we are not just approaching God with our list of prayer requests, but also connecting with Him about His character, our sinfulness, and His gracious blessings.
This can help us move beyond a transactional form of prayer and into a conversational prayer with God.
What are the 4 Steps of the ACTS Prayer Model?
Now that we know what the ACTS prayer acronym stands for, let’s take a closer look at each aspect of the prayer model.
Adoration
Start your prayer by focusing on the character of God. Of the many things we strive to be – faithful, holy, strong, and more – God is perfect at all of them. He deserves our honor and praise.
These Bible verses are a great way to bring your heart and mind into adoration of God. Read one of them, then spend time praising and adoring God for that trait.
His love is steadfast. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
He is faithful and true. “God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9
He is strong. “For the LORD your God, he is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn’t respect persons or take bribes.” Deuteronomy 10:17 WEBBE
He is glorious. “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1
He is wise. “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.” Psalm 147:5
He is awesome. “You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35
He is merciful. “But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5
He is perfect. “And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3 KJV
He is sufficient. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.” James 1:17
He is gracious. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.” Titus 2:11
Confession
Romans 3:23 reminds us that “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” Thankfully, Jesus made a way for our salvation and forgiveness through the price He paid on the cross.
In prayer, during a time of confession, we acknowledge our sins before God. We ask for forgiveness and for His help to change our hearts about our sins. We receive the forgiveness that we so desperately need.
When we don’t confess the sin in our hearts, we can hinder the intimate relationship we have with God. Turning away from our sin and asking for God’s forgiveness brings us closer to Him.
During this time of confession, it can be helpful to reflect on a Bible verse about forgiveness, then ask God to forgive you where you’ve fallen short.
“I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” Psalm 32:5 WEBBE
“Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.” Psalm 51:1
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
Thanksgiving
Gratitude helps us recognize God’s faithfulness and goodness. It reminds us that He has provided for us in the past.
Having a spirit of thanksgiving can encourage us in our faith that He will take care of us in the future as well. Use this time to express gratitude for the blessings in your life.
There may be challenging times where this is difficult, but we are encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.”
Read over these scriptures from God’s Word and count our blessings before our Heavenly Father.
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.” Colossians 3:15
“I will give thanks to the LORD according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17 WEBBE
“Giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father.” Ephesians 5:20
“I will give you thanks in the great assembly. I will praise you among many people.” Psalm 35:18
“I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.” Psalm 52:9
Supplication
In supplication, we present our requests to God. This is where we bring our personal needs and desires, not as demands but as humble entreaties. We must trust God’s will as we seek His guidance and provision for what we ask of Him.
We can pray for ourselves and our own concerns. We can also pray for the needs of others, which is called intercession.
It can be useful to start by reflecting on a Scripture about prayer.
“Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2
“Casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
Then as we approach God with your prayer needs and concerns, it can be helpful to find a Bible verse that pertains to our requests. Here are a few examples.
Ask for Provision. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Pray for Healing. “Praise the LORD, my soul! All that is within me, praise his holy name! Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits, who forgives all your sins, who heals all your diseases.” Psalm 103:1-3 WEBBE
Ask for Hope. “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Intercede for the Salvation of Others. (From the parable of the sower) “Others fell on good soil and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.” Matthew 13:8.
Pray for Increased Faith. “Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24
Example of the ACTS Prayer Model: A Sample Prayer
Here’s an example of how you could bring together adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, into one cohesive prayer.
ACTS prayers can be said out loud, in your heart, or you can write them in a prayer journal – however you best connect to God.
“Dear Lord,
I read in Psalm 147:5 that “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite.” Your wisdom and understanding is amazing, Lord! I can’t even fathom it. You are also great and mighty in power. I praise You for being our wise, strong, and mighty God. You always know and do the right thing.
I humbly come before You in confession. I read in Psalm 32:5 WEBBE that “I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.” I confess my sin and ask You to change my heart. Thank You for Your forgiveness.”
Thank You for Your blessings! Ephesians 3:20 encourages me: “Giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father.”
Thank You that I can see Your blessings every day, from each breath, to my daily bread, to Your grace and mercies in my life. You have given me many good things! I am also thankful for the strength You give me during life’s struggles.
One thing I want to pray for today, Lord, is increased faith. I think of Mark 9:24 – “Immediately the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe. Help my unbelief!” I do believe, Lord. Please grow my faith by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Thank You for hearing my prayers, Lord! In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.”
Free Printable ACTS Prayer Model Guide and Worksheet
Download a free printable worksheet to guide you through the ACTS Prayer model. Use it as a practical tool to structure your prayer time effectively.
Get your free digital download of the printable ACTS prayer model guide and worksheet here.
Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to enhance your prayer life, the ACTS Prayer model offers a balanced and powerful way to expand your daily prayers. If you’re looking to learn more about the ACTS Prayer Model, you might consider this classic book.
This can be a great tool for new believers and beyond. There is no one “right way” to pray, but this framework can help keep you on track as you seek the Lord in prayer.
If the ACTS prayer model doesn’t work for you, explore different ways through other prayer methods, like HEART or PRAY. The most important thing is to keep praying!
Give it a try and let God use this structured time of prayer to change your heart and your life. May your prayer life be blessed as you meet with Him!