Tag: prayer

ACTS

Joshua 10; Psalms 142–143; Jeremiah 4; Matthew 18

Several years ago I had the life-changing honor and privilege to participate in a study called Discipleship Essentials, written by Greg Ogden. One of the many takeaways from that study was on a model for prayer (keyword “model”, not a “mandate” as there are many ways to pray) using what is referred to as an acrostic to help teach us to pray. The model is ACTS; Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication. ACTS invigorated my prayer life over the years and has served as a reminder to make confession a regular part of prayer as it is often very tempting to skip right to the “bless me” or “save me” part.

The ACTS pattern popped out at me today through Psalm 143. Here’s how I saw it and a good example for our own prayer lives.

Adoration: In verse one, David opens up by addressing God as Lord; his ruler, humbling himself before him and asking him to listen. I read this as “You are God and I am not”; it sets the record straight. David specifically expresses adoration through referencing God as faithful and righteous.

Hear my prayer, O Lord;
    give ear to my pleas for mercy!
    In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! (Psalm 143:1)

Confession: David is acknowledging that he is a sinner. We all are. No one living is righteous before him. It is very tempting to skip over this part of prayer because we all have sins and it hurts to confess, however God already knows our sins. Confession is telling God what he already knows. When I get to the confession part and nothing is immediately there to confess, I ask God to reveal my sins that I’ve forgotten or suppressed… and the floodgates open… talk about an answer to prayer…

Enter not into judgment with your servant,
   for no one living is righteous before you. (Psalm 143:2)

Thanksgiving: Reflecting on what God has done and expressing gratitude.

I remember the days of old;
  I meditate on all that you have done;
  I ponder the work of your hands. (Psalm 143:5)

Supplication: Asking God to meet your needs and the needs of others. In Psalm 143:7-12, David asks:

  1. For the Lord to answer him quickly.
  2. For God to not hide his face from him (or for God to be near and present).
  3. To hear of God’s steadfast love.
  4. For direction; the way he should go.
  5. For deliverance from his enemies; to be within God’s refuge.
  6. To be taught to do God’s will.
  7. To be led by the Spirit.
  8. For his life to be preserved for God’s glory.
  9. For his soul to be brought out of trouble (again, deliverance).

And finally David has faith that God will answer his prayer; that in His love he will cut off his enemies and destroy the adversaries of his soul. As we worship our God through prayer, we can trust he will take over; we should be faithful because he is faithful.

I run to you now

Today’s journal entry is my own prayer to correspond to Psalm 119:57-64. The more I read these verses, the more they spoke to me. Perhaps some or all of this prayer applies to you as a reader so would you consider reading today’s post in prayer with me? Thanks for reading!

Deuteronomy 29; Psalm 119:49–72; Isaiah 56; Matthew 4

57 The Lord is my portion;
    I promise to keep your words.

Father God, you are enough. Forgive me for the many times when I seek to fill my soul with the empty things of this world. Instill in me a strong desire to choose you; your eternal truths and worthy commands.

58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.

Thank you God for showing us through this psalm that we can entreat (beg) you. That assures me that you will listen. I am sorry for doubting you. Let me not fall victim to the lies of the enemy; “this problem is too big”, “he will not answer that prayer”, “he will not smile upon you”, “there is not enough grace for you”. You promised grace, that which I don’t deserve, but yet you freely give; therefore I seek your grace right now, with my whole heart.

59 When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;

Lord, as you know, I was on a reckless path without you. When I think of this path I remember emptiness, despair, and guilt; I was lost. I run to you now; you fill the empty void in my life, you have given me hope, you have washed away my guilt from sin through your son’s one-time act of death, burial, and resurrection. My true identity is found now that I have you, your word, your rules, your promises, and I have a better understanding of your love.

60 I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.

Reveal to me my sins and equip me to immediately turn from them, to you. Teach me your commandments; let me remember them throughout the day in every situation. Give me a heart that cannot wait to do your will and follow you like the first disciples in Matthew 4:20: Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.

There are those who would like to attempt to steal your glory by making me stumble. Oh God, do not let me be deceived. Let me fully rely on your righteous commands. Protect me from all evil.

62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous rules.

Thank you for waking me in the night and reminding me of your goodness. Let my first waking thoughts at all times be praise for you, your ways, your mercy.

63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.

Thank you Lord for my christian brothers and sisters, they are truly my companions! They teach me, they pray for me, they share their insights into your word, will, and ways. I am truly blessed to have so many people who love me with the love of Christ. Let me be the companion to them that they need me to be. Please strengthen those who are persecuted for fearing you; especially those in other countries who risk torture and even death because they proclaim you as Lord.

64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes!

We do not have to look far to see your love for us. You create a marvelous symphony morning and night through the birds of the air; let us close our eyes and listen, and give all glory to you. You enable this earth to spin, giving us glorious sunrises and sunsets. Sun and rain give life to our sustenance because you make it happen. You show your love by equipping us with a sense of humor; let us use it properly. You showed the ultimate act of love on this earth by sending your son Jesus. Amen.

Readers, tomorrow’s reading will start the Sermon on the Mount. Would you consider reading it in its entirety as a complete sermon? I fell in love with this sermon several years ago and it continues to have a special place in my life. My Christ-following journey in 2010 started with the reading of Matthew with a quest to learn who Jesus really was and what he really was asking of us. The sermon really answered that for me in a miraculous way. Here’s a link: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)