Praying A.C.T.S.

• A. Adoration

• C. Confession

• T. Thanksgiving

• S. Supplication

Praying with A.C.T.S.

Use scripture to assist you if words don't come easily. This can be a springboard for your own conversation/contemplation. Scripture may trigger new ways to pray this format, i.e., new words to praise God.

Journaling using this format can bring clarity and can be used for review on "dry" days. It also helps structure journal entries if writing is difficult. It is the best way to keep track of answers to prayer and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth "fruit" in your life.

When praying aloud for someone, this format keeps everyone on track and relieves the burden of finding the "right" words. It keeps the prayer focus on God and his interface in the person's life. In a group setting it allows for multiple expressions of praise, thanksgiving, and supplication, and is a comfortable format for most people.

Praying the Psalms through A.C.T.S.

Adoration:

Ps. 8   "O Lord our Sovereign, how majestic is your name

       in all the earth."

Ps. 18   "I love you, O Lord, my strength."

Ps. 19   "The heavens are telling the glory of God…"

Ps. 29   "Ascribe to the Lord…"

Ps. 45   "My heart overflows with a goodly theme…"

Ps. 47    "Clap your hands all you peoples…"

Ps. 48   "Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised…"

Ps. 84   "How lovely is your dwelling place…"

See also Psalms: 113, 117, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150

Confession:

Ps. 51   "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love…"

Ps. 38   "O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath…"

Ps. 139   "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.."

Thanksgiving:

Ps. 40   "I waited patiently for the Lord, he inclined to me and heard my cry…"

Ps. 65   "Praise is due to you, O God…"

Ps. 75   "We give thanks to you, O God…"

Ps. 92   "It is good to give thanks to the Lord…"

Ps. 96   "O sing to the Lord a new song…"

Ps. 103   "Bless the Lord, O my soul…"

See also Psalms: 66, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, 118, 136

Supplication:

Ps. 16   "Protect me, O God,for in you I take refuge…"

Ps. 25   "To you, O Lord, I life up my soul…"

Ps. 42   "As a deer longs for water…"

Ps. 55   "Give ear to my prayer…"

Ps. 56   "Be gracious to me, O God…"

Ps. 59   "Deliver me, O God…"

Ps. 61   "Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer…"

Ps. 86   "Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me for I am poor and needy…"

Ps. 88   "O Lord, God of my salvation, when at night I cry out in your presence, let my prayer come before you…"

See also Psalms: 130, 142, 143