Have you heard of the A.C.T.S. prayer method? Well, it’s a powerful way to structure your prayers according to Scripture. This model provides a clear, biblical framework for prayer, making it an excellent tool for teaching women how to pray with intentionality and depth. Be sure to grab my ACTS Prayer Model PDF below.
Where did the ACTS Prayer Model come from?
Being a researcher at heart, I delved into its origins, only to discover that no single creator can be credited with developing the A.C.T.S. prayer model. Instead, what I discovered is that it has been widely embraced and passed down through Christian tradition as a timeless guide for prayer.
What I do know is that Christians have widely used it for many years as a straightforward and organized method of prayer.
The model, as I said, is all about biblical principles of prayer, and it’s been backed by tons of pastors, churches, and Christian groups for ages.
It seems it became popular in the 20th century as a teaching tool to help believers develop a balanced prayer life.
I’ve written one for you if you’re looking for a prayer for women’s ministry. Click here.
What else I learned about the ACTS prayer model
The A.C.T.S. prayer model—representing Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication was referenced as early as 1883.
It was appearing more frequently in publications around 1984, peaking in 2013.
For certain, it appeared in a story by Mary Virginia Terhune, published in The Continent periodical. My source for this is a discussion board on the Stack Exchange.
I share this because so many things are introduced to us in today’s world, and as thoughtful Christians, we should understand their origins.
This is especially true for women’s ministry leaders and volunteers. We don’t want to perpetrate anything but solid Godly principles.
What does the ACTS Prayer Model Look Like?
Frankly, I think many women (and people, for that matter) have been using the A.C.T.S. prayer model without even knowing it.
I know I have!
1. Adoration – First, we adore Him!
This is my favorite part of prayer. I love worshiping the Lord in words and/or songs.
So, in your women’s ministry gathering, you begin with Adoration or praising God for who He is, as in Psalm 95:6, which says in the New International Version:
” Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker…”
This appropriately postures us to come to the Lord fully recognizing our sinful state of being.
After all, we are redeemed only by His grace and of no works of our own.
Adoring the Lord is where we disappear. We vanish. We minimize so we can fully lift Him up and praise Him.
While this may sound like a bit much, it would be a beautiful gesture for the women to literally kneel on bent knees for this part of the prayer time. Of course, they can get up after prayer.
If you read my post on Women’s Prayer Meeting Ideas, you recall my memories of attending Tuesday morning Bible study with my grandma and senior ladies of my childhood church. One of my sweetest memories is of the ladies praying on their knees.
Kneeling demonstrates humility and an awareness of God’s power, might, and majesty.
2. Confession as part of the ACTS Prayer Model
I think Confession coincides with adoration and the act of humility.
We recognize that while we are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), we are also filthy, redeemed sinners.
We should never forget that. We can never be so comfortable in the palace (God’s salvation)that we forget what it was like in the fields (lives of sin).
Another way of stating this is we can never be arrogant in the liberties Christ has provided for us.
We are nothing. He is everything.
Confession is the full circle of that reality.
Listen, we are sinful beings who fall short frequently. The Bible tells us to confess our sins during prayer time.
In a women’s ministry event, this does not necessarily mean women share their personal sins in a public forum, but it means they can have time to talk to God in their hearts.
I genuinely believe it is a beautiful thing to acknowledge sins and seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Women’s ministry is a perfect place to bring up the need for confession in our daily lives.
Let me repeat: I do not mean we should confess there, but we should teach it.
Our culture often neglects this topic, possibly due to our arrogance. I think it is because we have gotten puffed up and we have forgotten from where we came.
All this to say, your women’s ministry Bible studies could teach the Biblical principle of confession.
3. Now, for Thanksgiving and the ACTS Prayer Model
Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude for God’s blessings.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says:
(16) Rejoice always,
(17)pray continually,
(18) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
It is the divine will of God that we embrace thankfulness with every fiber of our being!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t stomach an ungrateful person (or child!).
It’s the worst sort of pride to think you’re so important that someone owes you something.
In my opinion, this delusion can lead to a toxic or even a narcissistic mindset.
As Christian women, we should be grateful for our daily blessings.
Remembering that everything comes from God’s grace, love, and generosity.
When we cultivate gratitude, we also shift our focus from entitlement to appreciation.
Again, God wants us to be thankful. Come what may.
Women’s ministry has the potential to transform women’s lives and enhance their Christian journeys! This can influence families and, ultimately, the community!
I wrote about the role of women’s ministry in the church. Check it out.
5. Supplication is the “S”
Frankly, as a young Chrisitan, this word used to puzzle me. However, it means nothing more than “asking”.
You may not be familiar with this term if you “cut your teeth” on any translation other than the King James Version.
At this stage of prayer, you bring your personal requests and intercessions to Jesus according to Philippians 4:6 (NIV):
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Here is the same scripture in the King James Version (how I learned it):
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Pulling from Thanksgiving in the ACTS Prayer Model, I am incredibly grateful the Lord allows me ask Him anything at all.
After all, He is God. He could have chosen to distance Himself from us as His created beings.
But, He did not.
He made us His children, and He is our Heavenly Father from Whom we can ask what we will. It is His wisdom to determine if we get it.
Nonetheless, we can ask.
Selah…think about that!
Be sure to check out my
Prayer Model Printable!
Grab my FREE printable for the ACTS Prayer Model.
Now for an ACTS Prayer Activity Idea! You know I love activities. Check this women’s ministry prayer out.
Short ACTS Prayer Example
Here’s an example of a Christian prayer using the A.C.T.S. model with verses for you:
“Heavenly Father, I come before You in awe of who You are. You are holy, righteous, and full of mercy. Your Word says in Psalm 145:3, ‘Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.’ You are my rock, my refuge, and my provider. I worship You for Your faithfulness and unchanging love.” There is none other like You, Lord! You are God and God alone! I stand in awe of your awesomeness!
Lord, I confess that I have fallen short in many ways. I have allowed stress to take the place of faith, and at times, I have neglected to seek You first. Forgive me for the times I’ve put this world’s concerns before you, Father. Your Word in 1 John 1:9 says, ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’ Please forgive me and cleanse my heart. Help me to walk in obedience and turn away from anything that separates me from You.
Thank You, Father, for Your abundant grace and mercy. Thank You for the breath in my lungs, the love of my family and friends, and the daily blessings I often take for granted. The little things like being able to experience the blessing of mental alertness – I often take it for granted. Your Word reminds me in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 to ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ No matter what I face, I choose gratitude because I know You are with me.
Lord, I lift up my needs and the needs of those around me. I ask for wisdom in my decisions, strength for the challenges ahead, and peace in my heart. Your Word in Philippians 4:6-7 tells me not to be anxious but to bring everything to You in prayer. So I surrender my worries to You, trusting that You will provide. I also pray for my loved ones—bring healing to those who are sick, peace to those who are struggling, and salvation to those who do not yet know You.
Thank You for hearing my prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this long, but this is the ACTS prayer model in action!
Ideas for Implementing the A.C.T.S. Model
Christian Woman, I hope my musings on the Acts Prayer Model stimulated your thinking so you can introduce this model at your women’s ministry group, Sunday School Class, or Women’s Bible study.
Check out my ACTS Prayer Model PDF to help you!
I’ve created a guide for you to use when conducting a teaching discussion with the ladies in your women’s ministry. It is only $4.99, and you can purchase it here.
Now, let’s look at how the women can interact and engage with the model. Serve a few snacks and teach the women about prayer!
I. Introduction to the A.C.T.S. Prayer Model
- Briefly explain the A.C.T.S. model:
- A – Adoration: Praising God for who He is.
- C – Confession: Admitting our sins and seeking forgiveness.
- T – Thanksgiving: Expressing gratitude for God’s blessings.
- S – Supplication: Bringing our needs and others’ needs before God.
- Discussion Question: How do you currently structure your prayer time?
Note: Discussions can take place in pairs, small groups, or as a large group. Or you can blend the experiences. I’m providing two options for each part of the Acts Prayer Model.
II. Breaking Down the A.C.T.S. Model
A – Adoration: Praising God for Who He Is!
Psalm 95:6 – “Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
- Talk about the importance of starting prayers with praise instead of our personal requests.
- Small Group Activity: Write down five attributes of God (e.g., faithful, merciful, just) and share one that resonates with you today.
- Prayer Time: Take turns offering short praises to God.
Facilitation Notes for “Adoration” in the Acts Prayer Model:
Discussion Prompt: What is one attribute of God that has been especially meaningful in your life lately? How has it impacted your faith?
Scripture: Psalm 96:4 – “For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.”
Reflection: Ask them to write a short praise prayer, focusing on who God is rather than what He has done.
C – Confession: Acknowledging Our Sins Before God
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
- Discuss why confession is vital in our relationship with God.
- Small Group Activity: Ask each woman to write down one thing they need to confess privately. Then, invite them to pray silently, asking for God’s forgiveness.
- Prayer Time: Pray as a group, asking God to give strength to overcome sin.
Facilitation Notes:
Discussion Prompt: Why is it sometimes difficult to confess our sins? How can we develop a heart of humility before God?
Scripture: 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Reflection: Ask them to privately journal one area where they need God’s forgiveness and pray for His strength to overcome it.
T – Thanksgiving: Gratitude in Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.”
- Talk about the power of gratitude and how it transforms our perspective.
- Small Group Activity: Share one specific thing you’re grateful for this week.
- Prayer Time: Go around and say, “Lord, I thank You for…” and fill in the blank.
Facilitation Note:
Discussion Prompt: How does expressing gratitude in prayer change our perspective on life’s challenges?
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection: Invite them to list three things they are grateful for today and share one with the group.
S – Supplication: Bringing Our Requests to God
Scripture: Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
- Discuss how God desires us to bring our needs and the needs of others to Him.
- Small Group Activity Idea: Write down a personal prayer request and swap it with a partner. Pray for each other throughout the week.
- Prayer Time: Spend time praying for individual and group needs.
Facilitation Notes:
Discussion Prompt: What’s one area of your life where you need to trust God more?
Scripture: Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Reflection: Ask them to write down a personal prayer request and commit to praying about it daily this week.
III. Journaling Prompts for Personal Reflection – Acts Prayer Model
I’ve been a workplace educator for over 30 years.
I can tell you journaling is a crucial aspect of learning and mental processing.
In my book, How to Journal as a Christian, I give several reasons why the journaling practice is useful to help us process what God’s Word says, as it not only provides a safe space for reflection but also encourages deeper understanding of what individuals learn.
By translating our thoughts and feelings into written words, we not only create a tangible record of our spiritual journey but also nurture a safe space for ourselves to revisit and reflect on the invaluable lessons learned over time.
Journaling enhances our ability to internalize scripture and provides a deeper connection to new or complex ideas or emotions in a thoughtful manner that can lead to transformative insights.
Encourage the women to bring a journal before each Women’s Ministry teaching session.
- Which part of the A.C.T.S. model do I struggle with the most? Why?
- Write a prayer using the A.C.T.S. format.
- Reflect on a time when God answered a prayer in an unexpected way.
- What distractions keep me from a consistent prayer life? How can I overcome them?
- List three things you are thankful for today and reflect on how gratitude shapes your faith.
IV. Closing Encouragement & Next Steps – During the Women’s Ministry ACTS Session
Closing Script for Women’s Ministry Facilitators (Optional):
To bring the time to a conclusion for the Acts Prayer Model, you could say something like:
“As we wrap up today’s study, I want us to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve explored together.
The A.C.T.S. prayer model—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—is not just a method but a way to draw closer to God with a balanced and intentional prayer life. It balances our asks with our confessions and with our praise and gratitude.
Does anyone want to recap or share what they mean?
Adoration reminds us that prayer begins with worship, focusing on who God is rather than just what He can do for us.
Confession keeps our hearts humble and open before the Lord, acknowledging our need for His grace.
Thanksgiving shifts our perspective to gratitude, helping us recognize God’s faithfulness in our lives.
And Supplication teaches us to trust God with our needs and the needs of others, bringing everything before Him in faith.
As we leave today, I encourage each of you to incorporate this model into your daily prayer life. Maybe start by focusing on one part of A.C.T.S. each day or journaling your prayers using this framework.
Before we close, let’s take a few moments in silent reflection. Think about one area where God is calling you to grow in prayer. Then, I’ll lead us in a final prayer to seal what we’ve learned today.”
Have a short pause for reflection and then ask if anyone has any parting thoughts, questions, or encouragement.
A Sample Prayer for the Acts Prayer Model Women’s Ministry Session
Heavenly Father, thank You for this time together.
Thank You for reminding us that prayer is not just about asking for things, but about knowing You more deeply. Help us to adore You with all our hearts, to confess openly before You, to cultivate gratitude in all circumstances, and to trust You with our needs. Strengthen our prayer lives and draw us closer to You each day.
Thank you for loving us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As you close, remember to:
- Encourage women to use the A.C.T.S. model in their daily prayer life.
- Challenge them to journal and pray consistently throughout the week.
- Close with Romans 12:12 – “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
You know, Women’s Ministry Sister, it might not be a bad idea to have a follow-up meeting for women to share how the format is blessing their prayer lives.
You can also use this session to launch a prayer mintiest or a prayer partner group.
Back to my tips for closing out your session. 🙂
You can finish by saying something like:
Thank them again by saying something like:
“I’m so grateful for each of you taking the time to learn about Acts Prayer Model and for the time we’ve spent learning together.
Next time, we’ll continue growing in faith as we explore how to plan a prayer meeting. Until then, let’s keep praying and encouraging one another!”
Thats it!
Thank you for visiting Women’s Ministry Resources, and I pray you all have a fantastic exploration of the Acts Prayer Model! Don’t forget to subscribe if you haven’t already done so!
