This blog post is taken from my Seminar Notes, and I’d like to begin by mentioning that I used to treat God like a Cosmic Santa Claus.
When I’d pray, I’d simply ask Him for things.
I’m trying to change, and I’ve found it helpful to use the Acronym “A.C.T.S.” as an outline for my prayers.
The “A” stands for “Adoration.”
I start by acknowledging who God is and how much I love Him.
The “C” stands for “Confess.”
I Acknowledge to God that I’ve fallen short and I confess any sins or things that I’ve done that don’t measure up to God’s standard.
The “T” stands for “Thanksgiving.”
I Thank God for the things He’s done for me.
And finally, the “S” stands for “Supplication.”
Supplication means to earnestly and humbly ask for something.
I try to make it a habit to Adore God, Confess my sins, and Thank Him before I give Him a list of things that I’d like Him to do for me.
In addition to using “A.C.T.S.” as a way to balance my prayers, I also try to listen when I pray.
My natural inclination is to make plans, and then, ask God to bless my plans.
Sorta like writing down a list of petitions, and then, taking the list to God and asks Him to “sign off” on the list that I put together.
I’m trying to spend more time listening to God and asking Him what He wants me to do.
Sorta like taking a blank sheet of paper, signing it at the bottom, and then, asking God to fill in the top.
I’m still learning and growing, but these are a couple of the things that I’m currently trying to “put into practice” when I pray.
THIS IS THE END
