Continuing to build a Bible study notebook this month at Do Not Depart, today we will add printable resources for your prayer life.
Prayer is a conduit for better Bible study. Seeking the Lord in prayer prior to studying The Word tunes my heart and mind to the Holy Spirit, creates God-focus, and prepares me to receive and apply God’s message.
Model prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer, serve as prayer tutors, keeping me on track and mindful of the Lord’s will while I pray. As a young Christian I was often frustrated during prayer because I struggled with distraction. Since then, I have been introduced to the ACTS prayer model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication), and it has transformed my prayer life. The ACTS model helps me feel close to God and effective in praying for others.
Adoration
I start my prayer by saying, “God, you are….” Adoration is worship. It is affirming who God is. Spend a few moments completing that sentence with as many names and attributes for God as you can or can allot time. Need help getting started? Check out these verses:
- 2 Samuel 22:32-34
- Isaiah 9:6
- Revelation 4:8
Confession
This is where I tell God, “I’m sorry.” As much as God hates our sin, He loves it when we turn to Him, acknowledge our sin, and ask for forgiveness. Here are some verses to encourage you as you confess your sin:
- Proverbs 28:13
- James 5:16
- 1 John 1:9
Thanksgiving
When confession is done and God’s forgiveness begins to wash over me, thanksgiving flows: “Thank you, God, for ….” There are so many things for which to thankful. Let them flow with abandon. Need some help with the words? Try these verses of thanksgiving:
- Psalm 9:1
- Psalm 107:1
- Philippians 4:6-7
Supplication
Now it is time to lay before the Lord personal requests and intercessory prayer: “God, please….” The Greek word for “supplication” is deēsis, meaning “a request.” The Bible teaches us to take our requests to the Lord. Physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are all welcome; there’s nothing God can’t handle. Here are some helpful scriptures:
- Matthew 6:11
- Philippians 4:6-7
- Ephesians 6:18
Free Printables
Download this free ACTS Prayer Journal Page, make several copies, and put it in your notebook. I find that I pray as I write. The writing is another way I stay on track and focused. There is no one way or perfect way to pray, but I have found this model to be meaningful and effective.
Do you have a favorite prayer model or a story how one transformed your prayer life? Tell me about it in the comments. Need a place just for prayer requests? Download this free Prayer Journal Page.
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