---
title: "ACTS Prayer: A Simple Acronym with a Guided Example"
description: "Use the ACTS prayer model for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication with a practical example and interactive checklist."
canonical: "https://prayerguide.co.uk/guides/acts-prayer"
language: "en"
---

# Use the ACTS prayer model

ACTS gives prayer a clear shape. The letters stand for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. You can spend one minute on each part or stay longer where you need to.

Begin here

Begin with who God is. Admit what needs forgiveness, give thanks for specific gifts, then bring your needs and the needs of others.

[Use the short practice ↓](#practice)

## Pray through ACTS in four minutes

1.  Adoration: name something true about God's character.
2.  Confession: admit one wrong action or attitude.
3.  Thanksgiving: name one gift from today.
4.  Supplication: ask for help for yourself and another person.

## The order widens your attention

Starting with adoration reminds you that prayer is larger than your problem. Confession brings honesty. Thanksgiving helps you notice grace before you begin asking.

Supplication is a formal word for asking. It includes your own needs, so do not leave yourself out.

## Use the model without forcing equal parts

Some days confession needs more time. On another day thanksgiving may fill the whole prayer. The letters guide attention; they do not set a score.

Write one sentence for each letter if your mind wanders.

## A prayer you can use

God, you are patient and full of mercy.

I confess that I spoke without care today. Please forgive me and help me make it right.

Thank you for the friend who checked in.

Give us both wisdom for the week ahead. Amen.

## Bible passages to sit with

[**Psalm 103:1-12**The psalm moves through praise, mercy, and forgiveness.](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20103%3A1-12&version=NRSVUE)[**Philippians 4:6**Requests are brought to God with thanksgiving.](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204%3A6&version=NRSVUE)

## Questions people ask

Who created the ACTS prayer model?

Its exact origin is unclear. Christians have used the acronym for many years because it gathers four biblical parts of prayer.

Does ACTS have to stay in this order?

No. The order is helpful, but prayer can move naturally between praise, confession, thanks, and requests.

What does ACTS stand for in prayer?

ACTS stands for adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. It is a simple order that gives prayer a clear shape.

Do I have to follow the ACTS order?

No. The order is a guide, not a rule. Change it when another starting point helps you pray more honestly.

How long does an ACTS prayer take?

It can take four minutes, with one minute for each part, or much longer. Start with a pace you can repeat.

What is supplication in the ACTS prayer?

Supplication means asking God for help. It includes needs for yourself, other people, the church, and the wider world.

On this page[Pray through ACTS in four minutes](#practice)The order widens your attentionUse the model without forcing equal partsA prayer you can useBible passages

Next

## Keep going with start praying

[**How to pray when you are starting out**Learn how to pray with a short four-step practice, honest examples, and help for the moments when you do not know what to say.](https://prayerguide.co.uk/guides/how-to-pray)

[**Find time to pray in a busy life**Build prayer into a busy day with a small anchor, a one-minute backup, and simple ways to protect attention.](https://prayerguide.co.uk/guides/finding-time-to-pray)

[**What to do when your mind wanders in prayer**Work with distraction in prayer using a focus phrase, a notebook, movement, and a kinder way to return when your mind wanders.](https://prayerguide.co.uk/guides/wandering-thoughts-in-prayer)