A Method For Prayer
Last night, we had a great time of discipleship as we looked into some of what God's Word teaches us about prayer! Above all, we learned that prayer is one of the chief ways that God calls us to live in total dependence upon him. In fact, we saw that living in total dependence on God is exactly how God created us to live, (Jn. 15:1-8)!
Our discussion was so rich that we ran out of time at the end. However, I wanted to share a tool that many people have found helpful for cultivating a richer prayer life with God. It is called the A.C.T.S. method of prayer. It is a very simply pattern to follow that is intended to help us both deepen and broaden our fellowship with God through prayer. A brief explanation is below.
Whether you choose to use this tool or any other helpful ideas, my hope and encouragement is that you and I will ask God to help us take meaningful steps toward living in greater dependence upon him through prayer each and every day. Jesus’ words are striking and immensely helpful in the midst of a world that is continually seeking to convince us to rely on our selves:
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
God’s power is inexhaustible (Heb. 1:3) and he calls us to come to him in total dependence, promising to provide his people with all that they need to give him glory. I for one cannot think of a single good reason to hesitate to lay hold of such a priceless invitation.
A — ADORATION:
Spend time meditating on the the splendor, majesty, and character of God as he has revealed himself to us through his Word.
C — CONFESSION:
Looking to Jesus as your Savior, admit your sins to God and rest in his promise to forgive and cleanse every guilt by counting both the perfection and suffering of Christ as your own.
T — THANKSGIVING:
Remembering that we owe absolutely everything to God “from whom all blessings flow,” spend time intentionally focusing on the incalculable ways God’s kindness and mercy are evident in your life.
S — SUPPLICATION:
Until Christ returns, this world will remain broken and marred by sin. Take time to pray for the needs you are experiencing in your life, for personal spiritual growth and effectiveness in living each day on God’s mission, for the needs of those you know and love, the health and mission of Christ’s Church throughout the world, ask God to raise up and strengthen faithful pastors, missionaries, and Bible translators, pray for our government leaders, and for all kinds of other needs for which God desires us to call out to him for help.