The ACTS Prayer Method
Adoration
The basic movement of Christian prayer should start with adoration (CCC 2626). In this type of prayer, we adore the Holy Trinity, the source of every blessing. We can incorporate elements of blessing and praise in this prayer. ‘Our Father who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name’.
‘Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is to come’ (Revelations 4:8)
Confession
Asking forgiveness is the prerequisite for both the Eucharistic liturgy and personal prayer (CCC 2631). ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’.
For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sins no more’ (Jeremiah 31:34)
Thanksgiving
We give thanks to God, in the name of Christ Jesus, for all He has done for us (cf CCC 2638). We recognise with joy the blessings given by God. Thanksgiving is at the heart of the ‘Our Father’ and the meaning of the Mass.
‘Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever’ (1 Chronicles 16:34)
Supplication
In the prayers of petition, we ask God for help with our needs. In “boldness” and “deep faith,” we tell God what it is you need (CCC 2610), asking the Father in the name of Jesus (CCC 2614). ‘Thy will be done’, ‘Give us this day our daily bread’, ‘Lead us not into temptation’, ‘Deliver us from evil.’
‘I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people (1 Tim2:1)
Adoration
Examples:
Be still in the presence of Lord; whether in your quiet space or before the Blessed Sacrament.
Praise God using Psalms, Hymns and Scripture.
Adore and praise the Lord in your own words: ‘I love you Lord’.
Gently pray the name of ‘Jesus’.
‘Jesus, name above all names’.
Scripture References:
Psalms 18; 27; 40; 45; 84; 90; 103; 150.
Matthew 6:9. Revelations 4:8; 5:9-10; 5:12-14.
Confession
Examples:
Ask the Lord for help to search your heart .
Spend time saying ‘Sorry’ to the Lord for the times in which we have sinned and not followed his path.
Gently pray ‘The Confiteor.’
Scripture References:
Psalm 139: 23-24; Psalm 51;10-13.
Jeremiah 31:34. Matthew 6:9-13.
1 John 1:8-9.
Thanksgiving
Examples:
Give thanks to the Lord for all that He has done for you.
Thank the Lord for specific blessings and answered prayers
Thank the Lord for His Kindness, and goodness.
Scripture References:
Psalm 100: 4-6; 118:21.
1 Chronicles 16: 23.
Philippians 4:6-7.
Ephesians 5:20.
Acts 4:12.
Supplication
Examples:
Ask that God’s Will would be done in your Life.
Pray for family, friends, particular people, situations, and requests asked by others. Pray for help, healing, renewal and courage.
Pray for your personal needs.
Ask for an increase in Faith, Hope and Love.
Scripture References:
Matt 6:9-13.
Luke18:1.
Acts 12: 5.
Romans 10:1.
Hebrew 10:19-25.
Collosians 4:2. 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Revelations 1:4-6.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] defines ‘Prayer’ as ‘the raising of one’s heart and mind to God or requesting the good things from God’ (CCC 2559). This loving encounter with God has been expressed in various models of prayer. The acronym A.C.T.S summarises one such model. Each element of the model can be used as an individual moment of prayer; however, praying all four elements further draws the person of faith into a deeper and more expansive relationship with God. As a model of prayer, it incorporates many elements of contemplative, liturgical, meditative and vocal prayer, and it has the flexibility to be prayed in different combinations. It provides a solid framework in which to pray, reflect and respond to the Lord’s request to always pray (Luke 18:1).
Bishop Robert Barron comments on prayer
Bishop Robert Barron auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, founder of the Catholic ministerial organization Word on Fire and host of the TV series Catholicism speaks in this video on prayer.
This video can act as a personal resource or a resource to be used by Pastoral councils, prayer groups and all other Parish groups.
