How to Pray

How do you Pray ?

Do you not know how ?

Are you a new believer & have no idea where to start?

Have you been a believer for a while but no one taught you how to pray ?

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That is okay! I have heard this question ALL the time over the last 15 years as a believer.

It is not an uncommon question. It makes sense if you are asking because you are new, or no one taught you, or it has just been a while.

I am no expert, but I’ve had time in the ministry & have been praying for a good portion of my life.

When I first really started to pray, I did not know where to start either! Usually just with stuff I wanted from God, but there is so much more to prayer life.

Here is an acronym I have heard over the years in church + from others that is simple, yet SO helpful:

A. C. T. S.

A= Adoration

C= Confession

T= Thanksgiving

S = Supplication

Let me walk you through each one!

Adoration:

After you bow your head & close your eyes, start by telling God how you adore Him.

Tell God characteristics of who He is:  Holy, strong, Prince of Peace, kind, good, your Rock, Fortress, faithful.

Anything you know about Him. This is the time to focus your heart on praising Him for who He is.

As you read scripture more, these descriptors will come more easily to you. When you get to know someone you can tell them why they are great!

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Confession:

This is the time to confess your sins. God already knows them, but confessing them to Him is important.

You are acknowledging that you are a sinner & need God’s help. Take your time to say exactly where you need more Christ & goodness in your life & heart.

Ask for forgiveness & the power to repent from your sins.

Question your intentions & ask God if something in your life that you may not think is a sin, may actually be one. 

God is righteous AND forgiving. He is both.

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Thanksgiving:

Take this part of your prayer to praise God for what you are thankful for ! Be it your family, health, job, car, friends, church, knowing Christ, growth, ANYTHING!

When I have been down, or blue in life & not a lot of things were going for me  … I still was able to give thanks for the air in my lungs!

I am a strong believer in that there is ALWAYS something to give thanks for.

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Supplication:

This one is the easiest! It is time for you to ask God for what you need! Do you need peace ? Understanding ? Help being more like some fruits of the Spirit ?

Guidance in what job or which boy ? Do you need rest? Do you need to forgive someone who has not even asked you to forgive them?

Ask. God is here for you. He wants to hear what you need & how you can lean on Him! Don’t forget that an answer right away may not happen.

OR he may give you an answer you don’t like! BUT remember to trust Him & His timing. His answer (or lack of answer) is for your good. Is for His plan.

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Lastly, when this seems to be working well for your prayer life, turn to Psalms!

There are so many prayers in this book of the bible that will accurately portray your true feelings. God has literally provided us with sample prayers- how perfect!

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Hope this acronym is helpful & remember – just start. It does NOT have to be perfect. God already knows where your heart is, He just wants to spend time with you.

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Want to hear more on this ?

I have a 5 minute IGTV on my Instagram about this topic!

Go check it out –> tori_churchill

You can ask a question here, or ask on my IGTV, or DM me on Insta!

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– D O L L