How to Pray Using the ACTS Prayer Model
- Lindsay Esterline
- Mar 30
- 5 min read
Prayer is an essential part of our relationship with God. It is just as important as Bible study! On the podcast episode on prayer, Amy Cirigliano asked, "What is more important? Breathing in or breathing out?" If Bible study is inhaling, then prayer is exhaling. If you neglect either you will suffocate.
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. Jesus modeled prayer it what is now known as "The Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4. If you examine that prayer you will find Jesus demonstrated the four steps outlined in the ACTS prayer model, even if they are not in the same order.
The ACTS Prayer Model offers a reminder of the key elements to prayer. This model is based on four components:
Adoration
Confession
Thanksgiving
Supplication
This structured approach to prayer can help keep your mind from wondering. This God-focused approach can benefit beginners and seasoned Christians alike. So, look for the FREE printable download below.
The ACTS Prayer Model Explained
A for Adoration
Adoration involves expressing love and respect for God. This step is about acknowledging God's greatness, holiness, and love. When you start your prayers with adoration, it sets a positive tone for the rest of your conversation with Him.
Begin by contemplating who God is. Think about His character like kindness, mercy, and omnipotence. You might say, “Lord, I praise You for Your endless love and the way You guide my life.” This practice helps you focus on God's nature, reminding you of His presence and influence over every aspect of your life.
For example, if you think about God's mercy, you might reflect on a specific time when you felt His forgiveness in your life. This emotional connection allows your adoration to feel more authentic and heartfelt.
"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."
1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV
Here are a few more Bible verses that may help get you started: Isaiah 25:1, Psalms 28:7, Ephesians 1:3, 1 John 3:1, Jeremiah 32:17, and John 3:16.
C for Confession
Confession is crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship with God. It involves admitting your shortcomings and sins, which paves the way for forgiveness and healing.
Take a moment during this part of your prayer to reflect on your actions since your last confession. Think about areas where you may have strayed or decisions that did not align with your values. Being specific is essential. Instead of a vague apology, you might say, “I recognize that I was impatient with my family this week. I am sorry for my short temper and ask for Your guidance in responding with love.”
This transparency not only shows humility but also enables you to move forward with a clean heart. God already knows our sins, but it is an important step for us to recognize our need for a Savior.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
Psalms 103:11-13 NIV
Examples of confession, and a few promises, to help you: Psalms 51 (David's prayer after sinning over Bathsheba; see 2 Samuel 12.), Daniel 9:3-5, 1 John 1:19, James 5:16.
T for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is your chance to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. This part of the ACTS model helps you focus on what you have rather than what you lack.
Take a moment to list the things you are thankful for—large or small. You might express gratitude for your health, your job, or even the joy of spending time with friends. Saying something like, “Thank You, God, for the support of my family and the kindness of strangers,” can lift your spirits and bring you closer to God.
By focusing on positive aspects of your life through prayer, you can foster a mindset of joy and appreciation. So, having an 'attitude of gratitude' is more for your benefit than God's.
"Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion."
Psalm 103:1-4
Other examples from scripture: Psalm 107:1-3 (so many Psalms!), 2 Corinthians 9:15, Isaiah 12:4-5.
S for Supplication
Supplication is where you share your specific needs and desires with God. This part of your prayer allows you to be open about your struggles and seek guidance, healing, or help with various issues that you or others you know are facing.
When making requests, be clear and persistent (by the way, persistence is not to get God's attention, it is a way to faithfully give a concern to Him even when you are waiting on His timing). You can ask for support in difficult situations or for specific outcomes in your life. You might pray, “Lord, I need direction in my job search. Please help me find opportunities that match my skills."
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
James 1:5 NIV
It's also important to pray for others, sharing their struggles and needs. You might pray, “I ask for strength for my friend battling illness,” for example. The Bible is full of example of the power of intercessory prayer!
Other examples of supplication can be found here: Hannah's Prayer for a Son (1 Samuel 1:11), David's Plea for Justice (Psalm 83), Esther's Prayer for Deliverance (Esther 4:15-16), and Jesus' Prayer on the Cross (John 17).
A Path to Deeper Connection
"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 NIV
The ACTS Prayer Model is a powerful tool. Incorporating adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication into your prayer life a solid foundation to cultivate a richer prayer experience.
Take your time with each component of the ACTS model. Make your prayers personal. Allow yourself to connect deeply with God through each step. Use the printable below to help you write out your prayers. He is eagerly waiting to hear from you.
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