Master the ACTS Prayer Method: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples and Worksheets
Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. You can read more at the bottom of this page or read my full disclosure on my Affiliate Disclosure Page
The ACTS prayer method is a simple, structured way to pray by focusing on four key parts: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Each part helps guide your conversation with God, making your prayer life more meaningful and balanced. It’s an easy-to-remember tool that helps you honor God, admit your mistakes, show gratitude, and ask for His help—all in a way that brings you closer to Him.
This prayer method is popular because it’s both easy to follow and deeply rooted in biblical principles. It’s a great way to build a daily prayer habit or deepen the one you already have. Let’s break it down step by step so you can start using the ACTS method today.
Be sure to download your free copy of our printable ACTS Method of Prayer Bible study, Reflection and Prayer Challenge guide with worksheets at the end of this post! No sign up required!
What Is the ACTS Prayer Method?
The ACTS prayer method is a framework for prayer that uses four simple steps:
- Adoration: Praising God for who He is.
- Confession: Admitting your sins and asking for forgiveness.
- Thanksgiving: Thanking God for His blessings.
- Supplication: Asking for God’s help for yourself and others.
This method is inspired by the structure of prayers in the Bible, like the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer. For example, the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 includes adoration (“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”), confession and seeking forgiveness (“forgive us our debts”), thanksgiving, and supplication (“give us this day our daily bread”).
The ACTS method isn’t just for individual prayer—it works beautifully in group settings too, like family devotions or church gatherings. By following this model, you can approach God with both reverence and openness, knowing He hears every word.
The Four Steps of the ACTS Method
Adoration
Adoration is all about praising God simply for who He is. This step shifts our focus from ourselves to God, helping us recognize His greatness, power, and love.
The Bible encourages us to praise God often. In Psalm 29:2, it says:
“Ascribe to Adonai the glory of His Name.
tlv
Bow down to Adonai in the beauty of holiness.”
When we adore God, we celebrate His character—like His mercy, holiness, or faithfulness.
A practical way to do this is by reflecting on God’s names found in Scripture. Each name reveals a unique aspect of His character and gives us language to praise Him more deeply.
For example:
- Adonai Tzva’ot: Lord of Hosts, emphasizing God’s power and sovereignty over all.
- El Elyon: God Most High, reflecting His supreme authority and greatness.
- El Roi: The God Who Sees, reminding us that God is always watching over us.
- El Olam: Everlasting God, highlighting His eternal nature.
- Adonai Roi: The Lord is My Shepherd, pointing to His care and guidance.
Focusing on these names during adoration allows us to see the many ways God works in our lives and to offer Him the worship He deserves.
Example prayer: “Lord, You are holy and perfect. You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. I praise You for Your faithfulness and the ways You have shown Your love to me.”
Confession
Confession means being honest with God about your sins and asking for His forgiveness. It’s a chance to humble yourself and restore your relationship with Him.
The Bible promises that when we confess, God forgives.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 nasb
This step is vital because it helps us remove anything standing in the way of our relationship with God.
Example prayer: “Father, I confess that I’ve been impatient and harsh with others. Please forgive me for these sins and help me to show kindness and love, as You have shown me.”
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for all that God has done for you. It’s a time to thank Him for His blessings, big and small.
Psalm 100:4 reminds us to:
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving,
nasb
And His courtyards with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.”
By practicing thanksgiving, we develop a grateful heart and recognize God’s goodness in our lives.
Take a moment to thank God for specific things, like answered prayers, family, provision, or even lessons learned through challenges.
Example prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for my family and the way You’ve provided for us this week. I’m grateful for the strength You give me every day and for Your unchanging love.”
Supplication
Supplication is asking God to meet your needs and the needs of others. It’s where we bring our requests to Him, trusting in His power and wisdom.
Philippians 4:6 encourages us:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
nasb
This is a time to pray for things like guidance, healing, provision, or peace—for yourself and others. Remember, God invites us to bring everything to Him in prayer, no matter how big or small.
Example prayer: “Lord, please provide wisdom as I make decisions this week. I also ask for Your healing hand over my friend who is sick. May Your will be done in our lives.”
How to Use the ACTS Prayer Method in Your Daily Life
The ACTS prayer method is not only simple but flexible, allowing you to incorporate it into your routine in ways that fit your lifestyle and spiritual needs. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you make it a consistent part of your prayer life:
Start Your Day with ACTS
- Dedicate the first few minutes of your morning to prayer using this prayer method.
- Begin with Adoration, focusing on God’s attributes that inspire awe, such as His faithfulness or creativity as you witness a new day.
- Move to Confession, humbly acknowledging anything you need to ask forgiveness for or any anxieties you want to release to Him.
- Offer Thanksgiving by listing specific things you’re grateful for, such as a good night’s rest or the opportunity to face a new day.
- End with Supplication, asking for God’s guidance, provision, and protection over your day and the needs of others.
Create a Prayer Journal
- Use a notebook or a digital tool to write out your prayers following the ACTS structure.
- Divide your page into four sections for each part of the ACTS method.
- Under Adoration, write a Scripture verse that highlights God’s character (e.g., “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” – Psalm 145:3).
- In Confession, reflect honestly on areas where you fell short or struggled and write them down to acknowledge them before God.
- For Thanksgiving, make it a habit to jot down three specific blessings or answered prayers each day.
- In Supplication, list your prayer requests, leaving space to track updates or answers to those prayers.
Incorporate ACTS Into Family Prayer
- Make ACTS a family tradition during meals or bedtime prayers.
- Teach younger children simple phrases like, “God, You are so kind and loving” for adoration or, “I’m sorry for being mean to my brother today” for confession.
- Use prompts to guide each family member, such as asking, “What is something you’re thankful for today?”
- Rotate turns for each family member to focus on one aspect of the ACTS prayer during group prayer time.
Use ACTS During a Prayer Walk
- Take a walk outdoors and pray through the ACTS steps as you go.
- During Adoration, marvel at God’s creation, thanking Him for the beauty of nature around you.
- Pause for Confession, asking for a clean heart and a renewed spirit as you physically and spiritually move forward.
- Reflect on God’s blessings with Thanksgiving while walking and meditating on how He has worked in your life.
- Finish with Supplication, praying for the needs of your family, community, or the world as you walk past people or places that inspire specific requests.
Set a Dedicated ACTS Prayer Time
- Block out 15-30 minutes daily for focused prayer using the ACTS method.
- Start with worship music to help you enter into Adoration and prepare your heart for prayer.
- Take your time with Confession, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sins or areas where you need growth.
- Use a gratitude journal during Thanksgiving to make this step more intentional and uplifting.
- Keep a list of prayer requests handy for Supplication, updating it regularly with new needs or answered prayers.
Incorporate ACTS Into Scripture Reading
- Combine prayer with Bible study by using a passage of Scripture to guide your ACTS prayer.
- During Adoration, praise God for attributes revealed in the text. For example, if you’re reading Psalm 23, praise Him for being your Shepherd.
- In Confession, reflect on areas in your life that the Scripture brings to light and ask for forgiveness.
- Move to Thanksgiving, thanking God for promises or encouragement found in the passage.
- End with Supplication, asking God to help you live out the truths of the Scripture and apply them to your life.
Use ACTS for Group Prayer
- When praying with a group, assign each person one part of the ACTS method.
- For example, one person can lead in adoration, another in confession, and so on. This ensures everyone participates and brings balance to group prayer.
- If the group is large, divide into smaller groups and guide each group to focus on one aspect of ACTS for a deeper prayer time.
Bring ACTS Into Moments of Waiting
- Use ACTS during moments of waiting, like in line at the grocery store or during a commute.
- Quietly praise God in Adoration as you reflect on His presence in every moment.
- Confess any frustrations or worries that arise during the day and surrender them to God.
- Thank Him for His provision and grace in even the smallest details of life.
- Offer up quick prayers of Supplication for those around you or any pressing needs on your heart.
By weaving the ACTS prayer method into your daily routines and special moments, you’ll find it becomes second nature—a grounding practice that continually draws you closer to God.
My Final Thoughts
The ACTS prayer method is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to grow closer to God. Its structure makes prayer feel approachable while inviting deeper reflection and connection. By incorporating adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication into your prayers, you’ll find a richer, more meaningful relationship with the Creator.
I’d love to hear how the ACTS method has impacted your prayer life! Share your thoughts in the comments and join our Besorah Bible Study Facebook group to connect with others exploring their faith journey. Let’s grow in prayer together!
Don’t forget to download your free copy of our ACTS Method of Prayer Bible study, Reflection and Prayer Challenge guide below!
FAQs About the ACTS Prayer Method
-
What is the history of the ACTS prayer method?
The ACTS prayer method doesn’t come directly from the Bible but is rooted in biblical principles. It has been used for centuries by believers as a way to structure their prayers, drawing from patterns seen in Scripture, like the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer.
-
Can I use the ACTS method with other prayer tools?
Absolutely! The ACTS method can complement other prayer tools like journaling, Scripture meditation, or even prayer apps. It’s versatile and can be adapted to fit your personal prayer routine.
-
What if I don’t finish all the steps in one prayer session?
That’s okay! The goal of the ACTS method is to guide your prayer life, not to impose rigid rules. If you only complete one or two steps in a session, trust that God still hears your heart. You can always pick up where you left off later.
-
How can I teach the ACTS method to children?
For children, use simple language and examples. You might create a visual aid, like a handprint chart where each finger represents one of the ACTS steps. Encourage them to pray short sentences for each step, such as “God, You are so loving” for Adoration or “Thank You for my family” for Thanksgiving.
-
Is the ACTS method only for Christians?
While the ACTS method is grounded in Christian beliefs and Scripture, its focus on praise, repentance, gratitude, and petitions can be appreciated by anyone seeking to pray in a structured way. However, it is most meaningful when approached with faith in God as revealed in the Bible.
-
Can I use ACTS in silent prayer, or does it need to be spoken aloud?
You can absolutely use the ACTS method in silent prayer. God hears your heart whether you’re speaking aloud, writing in a journal, or praying silently. Choose the style that feels most natural to you.
-
Does using a structured prayer method take away spontaneity?
Not at all! The ACTS method is a guide, not a script. It helps create balance and focus but still allows room for spontaneous prayers as the Spirit leads. Think of it as a framework to help you approach God with intention.
-
How often should I use the ACTS method?
You can use the ACTS prayer method as often as you like. Some people use it daily, while others incorporate it into their prayer time a few times a week. Find a rhythm that works for you and helps you grow in your relationship with God.
Download Your Printable Study & Prayer Guide
NASB – “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation“
Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society. Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.