How to pray
The ACTS prayer method, a simple guide with examples
· 2 min read
The ACTS prayer method explained, adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication, with a short example of each and Scripture to pray.
The ACTS prayer method is a simple order for prayer: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It helps when your mind wanders or your prayers feel like a list of requests. Each part takes as long as you need.
What is the ACTS prayer method?
The ACTS prayer method is a four-part order for prayer: adoration, praising God for who He is; confession, admitting sin and receiving His forgiveness; thanksgiving, thanking Him for what He has done; and supplication, bringing your requests for others and yourself. Each part comes from Scripture, and the order keeps prayer centered on God before it turns to needs.
A is for adoration
Start by praising God for who He is. “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3).
Example: “Lord, You are holy and good. You made everything, and You know me fully.”
C is for confession
Tell God where you’ve fallen short, and receive His forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9).
Example: “Forgive me for my impatience with my family this week, and for worrying instead of trusting You.”
T is for thanksgiving
Thank God for what He has done. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise!” (Psalm 100:4).
Example: “Thank You for my job, for friends who check on me, and for the answer to the prayer I prayed last month.”
S is for supplication
Bring your requests, for others and for yourself. “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
Example: “Please heal Sarah’s mother. Give me wisdom for the decision at work. Help our church love our neighbors.”
Tips for using ACTS
- Don’t rush adoration. It sets the tone for the rest of your prayer.
- Keep a list for supplication. A prayer list keeps you from forgetting people.
- Change the length. Some days one part takes longer. That’s fine.
- Pray it out loud or write it. A prayer journal works well with ACTS.
Use ACTS with The Pray App
Begin with adoration, confession, and thanksgiving on your own. When you get to supplication, open The Pray App and tap Start praying. Each prayer card shows the request, who you’re praying for, and a Bible verse.
Pray through today’s cards during the supplication part of ACTS.
The Pray App is free on the App Store. See how to pray through today’s cards.
Questions people ask
What does ACTS stand for in prayer?
ACTS stands for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It's a simple order to follow when you pray.
Is the ACTS prayer method in the Bible?
The acronym isn't, but each part is. Scripture is full of praise (Psalm 145:3), confession (1 John 1:9), thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4), and requests (Philippians 4:6).
How long should an ACTS prayer take?
As long or short as you like. Even a minute or two for each part is enough. The point is to pray, not to finish a checklist.
Where do I pray for other people in ACTS?
Requests for others belong in supplication, along with your own needs. Many people pray for others first, then for themselves.
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