### Guided Prayer ## The ACTS Method This outline guides individuals and groups through prayer using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Each section includes relevant Bible passages and sample prayers, making it suitable for meditation and communal worship. This guide is both a tool for personal devotion and communal liturgy that builds up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). May it enrich your prayer life and deepen your relationship with our sovereign and gracious God. --- ## Opening and Orientation ### Begin with: - A brief moment of silence to center your heart and mind on God's presence. - An invitation for the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time. - Optionally, recite an opening hymn or a statement of faith (e.g., the Apostles’ Creed). --- ## II. Adoration ### Praising God for Who He Is *Adoration focuses on worshiping and glorifying God for His infinite worth. In this section, we acknowledge God's character, majesty, and creative power.* --- ### Preparation - Set aside personal concerns to exalt the holiness and sovereignty of God. - Reflect on His eternal attributes and creative wonder. --- **Psalm 145:3** > "Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. > > I lift up how awesome You are, O God, Creator and King of the universe." --- **Exodus 15:2** > "The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. > > I praise You, Lord, for the victory You have won over sin and darkness." --- **Revelation 4:11** > "Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created." --- ### Reflective Meditation - Pause to silently reflect on the attributes of God. - Offer personal expressions of praise. --- ## Confession ### Repenting and Seeking Forgiveness *Confession involves acknowledging our sinfulness before God and seeking His forgiveness, restoring our fellowship with Him.* --- ### Preparation - Confession is not for self-condemnation but for restoration and growth in Christ. - Embrace the hope of God's mercy and cleansing through sincere repentance. --- **1 John 1:9** > "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. > > Lord, I confess my sins before You, asking for Your mercy and cleansing grace." --- **Psalm 32:5** > "I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover up my iniquity. > > Lord, forgive me, and help me to walk in the freedom and light of Your forgiveness." --- **Isaiah 1:18** > "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool. > > Lord, apply Your redeeming grace to my life as I repent of my sins." --- ### Reflection - Allow time for individual confession. - Share personal prayers for repentance either silently or within a trusted group setting. --- ## Thanksgiving ### Expressing Gratitude *Thanksgiving is the time to express our gratitude for God’s grace, provision, and daily blessings.* --- ### Preparation - Cultivate a grateful heart by acknowledging God's continual love and blessings. - Recognize that thanksgiving reinforces our trust in His sovereign care. --- **Psalm 107:1** > "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever. > > Lord, thank You for the goodness You have poured out on my life." --- **1 Thessalonians 5:18** > "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. > > I thank You, Lord, for every blessing and the guidance of the Holy Spirit." --- **Colossians 3:15** > "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. > > Thank You, Lord, for the peace that surpasses all understanding and sustains me daily." --- ### Guided Reflection - Spend a few moments silently listing personal blessings. - Option to share specific praises with fellow believers. --- ## Supplication ### Presenting Our Requests *Supplication is about presenting our needs to God and interceding for others, showcasing our trust in His provision.* --- ### Introduction - Supplication involves both personal requests and intercessory prayer. - Affirm trust that God will provide according to His perfect will. --- **Philippians 4:6-7** > "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. > > May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus." --- **Matthew 7:7-8** > "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. > > Lord, I ask for Your help; I seek Your face, trusting that You will answer in Your perfect timing." --- **James 5:16** > "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. > > I lift up my personal needs and intercessory prayers for my brothers and sisters in Christ." --- ### Intercessory Time - Utilize moments of silence for personal and collective supplication. - Encourage sharing specific prayer requests for self, loved ones, and the world. --- ## Closing the Prayer ### Conclude with: - A prayer of surrender and trust, reaffirming reliance on the finished work of Christ. - Alternatively, end with the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) which encapsulates all petitions. > "Father, I entrust my prayers into Your loving hands. I rest in the finished work of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for me. May Your will be done in my life and in the lives of all who gather in Your name. Amen." --- ## Post-Prayer Reflection - Spend a few minutes in silent reflection for personal journaling or sharing insights. --- *Feel free to adjust and expand upon this outline as needed for your context and personal spiritual practices.*