Prayer Thoughts

A long time ago, I learned an acronym that can be used to organize our prayers. A.C.T.S. The “A” stands for acknowledge – expressing how great God is and who he is. The “C” stands for confession – Lord forgive me for…. The “T” stands for thanksgiving – thank you for blessing me…. And the “S” stands for supplication – God, please help so and so….

I’ll be honest I do an okay part at the T, and I do a great part at the S, and sometimes I hit the C. But if I’m completely honest, I most often miss the A. I was reminded of this today when I was reading in 1 Chronicles 29. Look at David’s prayer; his prayer is full of praise for God.

From 1 Chronicles 29:

10 Then David blessed the Lord in the presence of all the assembly; David said: “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, are the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in the heavens and on the earth is yours; yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might; and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. 15 For we are aliens and transients before you, as were all our ancestors; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. 16 O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 17 I know, my God, that you search the heart, and take pleasure in uprightness; in the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you. 18 O Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you.”

See what I mean. I’m guessing the reason that this comes so hard for many of us is that we are so self centered – instead of God centered. I’m thankful for God’s patience in my slow and erratic growth pattern. I’m also thankful for reminders from the Word that help to transform my thoughts, my actions, and my heart.

Until the next post…