How to Pray & What to Pray for – What the Bible SaysSample

ACTS:  S is for “Supplication” – Step 4 of your Prayer

This is the time to pour out your heart. Talk to God about your challenges at work, at home or elsewhere. Lay it all out there and give it over to Him. 

If you can’t say the words clearly to express your confusion or your need, just groan before Him; He already knows your need and is glad to hear from you in whatever form it takes.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  – Romans 8:26-27

And, as you pray, do not hesitate to ask for anything. For it is just as Jesus says:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.  – Matthew 7:7-8

However, before moving on, read the next two verses in the same passage to gain a proper understanding of Jesus’ words:

Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!  – Matthew 7:9-10

God really does want to give you anything you ask for, but… just as you might not give your child a gun to play with or let them eat cake for breakfast, so it is with God. He wants to help but will only give you the good things that are right for your life and in line with His Plan.

Not sure about that? This verse from James, the brother of Jesus can help:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
– James 1:5

Now, as you pray for wisdom, you will gain insight into what God may want to give you and His plan for you. Things will become clear and you will become even better aligned with what it is that you should be praying for!

Lastly, as you pray and seek God’s guidance, be sure to make plenty of time to listen. This is not just about you talking to God, but about Him speaking to you also. So, take time to relax, meditate and reflect in the presence of God. Calm your mind and let your thoughts flow without trying to solve any problems. Instead, enjoy the peace that God gives you.

As you finish, you may not have all the answers or have even heard anything. However, as you keep coming back to God in prayer, He will answer unless you’re breaking one of the six reasons that the Bible says He won’t. Check our other reading plan on that…

Prayer is not just about asking God for help; it is the personal, two-way communication channel between you and God. Praying along the outline of A-C-T-S helps make your conversations with God more complete and effective.  It also deepens your relationship with God and helps your understanding of His direction – His Plan – for your life.

Of course, A-C-T-S is just an outline, a starting point intended as a helpful aid. There will be times when your prayers differ, and that’s okay. The main idea is just that you are spending time in conversation with God. 

And, as you do so, you will be blessed!

Reflection / Application 

1. Have you ever spent much time just being silent before God? How did that go? 
2. Many times, we come to God with a to-do list of help items. Can you see how time spent asking may take away from God really revealing Himself to help you? 
3. Today or tomorrow, make a list of 3-5 items that you would like God’s help with. Lay them out in prayer and then spend time in silence meditating on His will for your life. What happens?