A.C.T.S. is an acronym representing a powerful model of prayer: adoration, confessions, thanksgiving, and supplication.
ADORATION: Begin the prayer by adoring God. Praise and worship HIM. This is a time for telling God what He means to you and how much you love Him. This is not the same as Thanksgiving where you thank God for all He has done, but a time to tell God how magnificent, holy and glorious He is. Focus solely on Him and to tell Him all the wondrous amazing things you love about Him. King David was a great worshipper of the Lord and a man God Himself. Read Psalms for great examples of adoration. Psalm 8:1 says “O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens.”
CONFESSION: This is when we confess our all our sins to God. Unconfessed sins create a barrier between you and God and can hinder your prayers. Begin by confessing your sins to Him with an apologetic and repentant heart. Ask God to bring to mind any sins you may not be aware of so that you may repent and confess. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9.
THANKSGIVING: This is where we count our blessings, thanking and praising God for all He has given us and done for us. You may begin with the basics such as thanking Him for your family, friends, food, shelter, safety, your job, your health, and keeping you safe from harm. Thank Him for hearing your prayers and for forgiving your sins, for His all-consuming love for you. Thank Him for His promises, for the glory of His handiwork, for His written word. Follow Paul’s advice in Ephesians 5:20: “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
SUPPLICATION: This is also known as Intercession. This is the phase of prayer where we come to the Father asking God to supply needs for ourselves and others. Be specific in your prayers. For example, instead of asking for God to bless your family, ask Him to help your son focus in math class and to give his teacher the wisdom she needs to present the information in a way he can digest, etc. If you feel led to pray for a certain person but don’t know exactly what that person needs, ask God to lead you in prayer. He will.
Remember, prayer is an act of communing with God. It is about a personal relationship with Jesus. These steps are to help you learn to pray but don’t feel you must adhere to any rigid rules. This is your time with God. And remember, communication is a two-way street, so that means you have to listen as well. You may not hear God at first but don’t get discouraged, it takes practice. When you quiet your mind, you will feel God speaking to your heart.