ACTS: (S)upplication

Welcome to the final installment of a four part series on the ACTS prayer model. We have made our way through Adoration, Confession and Thanksgiving. Today we will discuss Supplication.

Supplication means to plead humbly. Christians have been granted an amazing blessing and privilege which is seldom used to its potential - you can have an audience with the King. The Creator of the universe has so condescended to His beloved people that His ear is available to you at all times. Not only is He passively interested in hearing from you, but His very nature and character desires to have communion with His children. In His word, Almighty God calls you to come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). He cares about you and wants you to lay your troubles at His feet (Philippians 4:6). Prayer is so important to God that Jesus instructed us on how to go about praying (Matthew 6:9-13).

Supplication connotes the idea of entreating the assistance of one who has the power to answer. We are encouraged to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) with all prayer and supplication (Ephesians 6:18). God also wants us also to know that He answers prayers (Matthew 21:22). 


What should you supplications be about?


Good question: for yourself (Matthew 26:41), other saints (James 5:16), your enemies (Luke 6:27-28), our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

What pitfalls should I watch out for?

Another good question. Be careful of praying for prayer's sake - don't be a hypocrite (Matthew 6:5-8).

Supplication follows the trajectory the previous parts of the ACTS model and is the logical extension of someone's communication with their Creator. If you have worshiped, confessed your sins and thoroughly thanked Him, the believer can plead that God be glorified and that His (perfect) will be done. Anything touched upon during the time of confession can be petitioned for. The Father, through His Holy Spirit out of honor for Christ can and will transform and conform a believer into the image of His Son. Time spent in thanksgiving highlights some of the most important areas of a Christian's life, plead for those things during your time of supplication.

There are endless topics that relate to prayer and praying, but I hope that this series has been helpful to you and that God will use it to encourage you to pray more.

Until next time, yours In Christ,
Tom Vazquez

ACTS: (T)hanksgiving

Welcome to Part Three of a four part series on the ACTS prayer model. So far we have discussed Adoration (worship) and Confession, today we will be taking a look at Thanksgiving.

Adoration of God causes the Christian to rightfully see themselves as fallen before His perfect ways. Confession of sin follows; scripture says "a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). What then? Does the believer confess their sin and remain in guilt? This would be the case if it were not for the good news of the Gospel. If Christ had not been raised from the dead our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). But our Great, gracious God, in His mercy and grace sent Jesus at the right time (Galatians 4:4). Jesus came to save sinners, so rejoice and thank your God for the gift of salvation.

This understanding of redemption should anchor the Christian's gratitude. Sure you can thank Him for your daily bread and for keeping you safe but, He does these same things for unbelievers. We have a greater, deeper reason for giving thanks. You can (and should) thank Him even for the hard things He allows. James tells us to count it joy when we meet various trials (James 1:2-3) because these tests will help produce steadfastness.

Thank Him, thank Him; for every breath, for the morning cup of coffee, for your job. For your boss, your Pastor, and for your fellow brothers and sister in the Lord. Thank Him because we are dependent, we need Him and He sustains us.

Thank God, thank Him often. Praise Him saints!



Yours In Christ,
Tom Vazquez

ACTS: (C)onfession

We are now in Part Two of a four part series on the ACTS prayer model. Yesterday we discussed Adoration, today we will take a look at Confession.

Adoration or worship of God during prayer wells great admiration in the believer's heart. It leads us to contemplate the greatness of the Almighty. Extolling His attributes and characteristics though inevitably causes the believer to consider one's own heart. When compared to to the holiness of God, the believer along with Paul knows that we are the chief of sinners. Confession during prayer admits to God that we do not come close to keeping the command: "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (1 Peter 1:16). This right understanding allows one to rightly declare to God, "Nothing in my hands I bring, only to the cross I cling."

As with Adoration, the believer's maturity and understanding of their God drives confession. The one with greater knowledge will weep and lament the most. My encouragement is to grow, understand the cesspool in which He found you and tell Him how evil your flesh still is. But don't stay there, as wretched as we are we know the good news. Let your mourning be turned to joy, tomorrow we will take a look at Thanksgiving.


So tell me friends:

Do you have a right understanding of your depravity?


Yours In Christ,
Tom Vazquez

ACTS: (A)doration

Since recently attending Sermon Audio's Foundations Conference in my hometown, New York City; I have been praying more. Godly, faithful men, preached on the centrality of prayer and the proclamation of the word. At some point, one of the speakers mentioned using the ACTS model of prayer; Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication. I had probably heard of this model before, but God used their teaching to invigorate my prayer life. ACTS stands for: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.

The ACTS model is not specifically found in the bible, nor should it be the only way in which a believer communicates with God, but it is a good guide for a believer to use during prayer. 

Adoration is worship. Worship involves the glorification and exaltation of God, this is achieved in the mind through contemplation upon God. Proper worship of God results from knowledge. One can proclaim His character, attributes and works to Him in prayer. A new Christian may only know God as Savior (1 John 4:14), they are still in awe that a holy, righteous God would die to redeem an undeserving rebel such as them-self. A more mature Christian will have a deeper understanding and relationship with God, they will acknowledge Him as Creator (Gen 1:1), as Judge (Hebrews 9:27), Healer (1 Peter 2:24).

Many of my prayers begin with, "Heavenly Father, Creator God, Maker of heaven and earth. You are holy, perfect and just." Bible studies, reading and devotions will expose the believer to more and more of God. Overtime, your adoration will grow deeper as you learn more about your King.


Do you use a system or guide to organize your prayer time?

What attributes or characteristics of God do you enjoy proclaiming to Him in prayer?

Let me know in the comments below.


Yours In Christ,
Tom Vazquez