A Simple Acrostic for Prayer

People often use a simple acrostic as a guide to prayer: A.C.T.S. Each of the letters in this acrostic stands for one of the key elements of prayer. Not only does this acrostic remind us of the elements of prayer, it shows us the priority we ought to give to each.

1. Adoration

The first element of prayer should be adoration, or praise. The Psalms, which are inspired samples of godly prayer, are heavily weighted on the side of adoration. I’ve noticed over many years that as we grow in the discipline and in the delight of prayer, it seems that we naturally spend more and more of our time on this first element.

2. Confession

Second, prayer should include confession of our sin; as we remember who we are when we come into God's presence, we see that we have come short of His holiness and have need of His forgiveness.

3. Thanksgiving

Third, when we pray, we should always give thanks, remembering the grace and mercy God has shown toward us.

4. Supplication

Fourth, prayer rightly includes supplication or petition, bringing our requests for the needs of others and ourselves to God.