How to Use the ACTS Prayer Method in Your Quiet Time
Learn the ACTS prayer method—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—and turn it into a simple daily prayer practice.
What does ACTS mean?
ACTS is a simple prayer framework: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. It provides four prompts that can help organize a prayer time when you are not sure where to begin. The framework is a guide rather than a rule.
Adoration: focus on God
Begin by reflecting on who God is and what Scripture teaches about Him. You might write a sentence of praise or a verse that describes God's character. This opens prayer with worship rather than immediately moving to requests.
Confession: respond honestly
Confession is a place to acknowledge sin and ask God for forgiveness and help to change. Keep this personal and honest. The goal is not to create a list for comparison but to bring your own life before God.
Thanksgiving: notice what is good
Write specific things you are thankful for. They can be significant or ordinary: a relationship, provision, an opportunity, a conversation, or a moment of peace. Specific gratitude can make this part more meaningful.
Supplication: bring your requests
Finally, pray for your needs and the needs of others. Separate urgent concerns from ongoing requests if that helps. An ACTS journal can make it easy to return to requests later and update your notes.
Related reading: Explore more Christian prayer books, devotionals, and guided journals in the SanctuaryPastor collection.
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