“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” - Jesus (Matthew 6:6–13)

Use the ACTS model of prayer.

When we pray, we don’t have to use complicated or memorized phrases. Talk to God in the same way as you would talk to any other person. Tell Him about your problems, your hurts, your worries, and your joys. Remember that He loves you and all that is important to you is important to Him. It doesn’t matter when or where you pray. You can do it while you’re driving, at work, or before you to go to bed. He is always listening. There are many ways to pray, but here is one simple way to engage God in prayer and at the same time keep it balanced. It’s called ACTS:

ADORATION:

Tell God why He is so great and amazing. Think about the attributes of God: holy, great, mighty, creative, wonderful, merciful, faithful, never-changing, etc. 

“At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34)

CONFESSION:

Tell God about the things you have done, thought or desired that do not please Him. He wants to know that you know that those things are not what He wants for you.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

THANKSGIVING:

Thank God for what He’s done, and doing in your life right now as well as in the lives of those around you.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

SUPPLICATION:

This is your time to bring your requests before God.

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour,” (1 Timothy 2:1–3)