ACTS
Read: Luke 11: 1-4
I am enjoying “A Disciple’s Path” along with many others at GPUMC. Since I have been a United Methodist since 1968, and a Methodist before that, I am very familiar with the history and doctrine of our denomination. I can always learn new things, though, and old things are made new through the lens of time.
I particularly enjoyed the units about prayer. My prayer life has been long, varied, and active, but I noticed that I was missing some of the elements of prayer, modeled after the Lord’s Prayer, that we learned from Jesus.
The ACTS form of prayer includes Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. I LOVE beginning a prayer with adoration. It reminds me to whom I am talking: our spectacular creator, loving God, awesome guide, maker of me and of all that I see! Starting with these ways to address our God just puts me into a different frame of mind to begin prayer. It feels quieter and more special at the same time.
Contrition is a newer habit for me. I recognize that I stand before God’s glory as a sinner, as a weak human who needs God. I admit actions and thoughts that have not been my best. I promise to do better. This portion of prayer puts me in a humble position and reminds me not to become self-righteous. I am able to come before our Lord with honesty and openness.
Thanksgiving comes easily – praying about blessings large and small can fill many hours of prayer.
When we ask our God’s attention on certain issues and people, that is supplication. I also can spend many hours requesting love and light for people whom I love, people who are struggling, disasters that happen worldwide. God is always needed in tiny and huge situations.
This form of prayer does not include the most difficult element – listening. I am working on listening for God’s call in every prayer also, and this is new for me. It requires me to be quiet and still. I love to be in God’s presence in prayer. It helps my days and nights to go smoothly.
Prayer: Loving Creator, thank you for blessing me, a humble part of your magnificent creation. Help my unbelief and keep my faith strong. Let me listen for your voice and your call. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Anne Sullivan
Read: Luke 11: 1-4
I am enjoying “A Disciple’s Path” along with many others at GPUMC. Since I have been a United Methodist since 1968, and a Methodist before that, I am very familiar with the history and doctrine of our denomination. I can always learn new things, though, and old things are made new through the lens of time.
I particularly enjoyed the units about prayer. My prayer life has been long, varied, and active, but I noticed that I was missing some of the elements of prayer, modeled after the Lord’s Prayer, that we learned from Jesus.
The ACTS form of prayer includes Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. I LOVE beginning a prayer with adoration. It reminds me to whom I am talking: our spectacular creator, loving God, awesome guide, maker of me and of all that I see! Starting with these ways to address our God just puts me into a different frame of mind to begin prayer. It feels quieter and more special at the same time.
Contrition is a newer habit for me. I recognize that I stand before God’s glory as a sinner, as a weak human who needs God. I admit actions and thoughts that have not been my best. I promise to do better. This portion of prayer puts me in a humble position and reminds me not to become self-righteous. I am able to come before our Lord with honesty and openness.
Thanksgiving comes easily – praying about blessings large and small can fill many hours of prayer.
When we ask our God’s attention on certain issues and people, that is supplication. I also can spend many hours requesting love and light for people whom I love, people who are struggling, disasters that happen worldwide. God is always needed in tiny and huge situations.
This form of prayer does not include the most difficult element – listening. I am working on listening for God’s call in every prayer also, and this is new for me. It requires me to be quiet and still. I love to be in God’s presence in prayer. It helps my days and nights to go smoothly.
Prayer: Loving Creator, thank you for blessing me, a humble part of your magnificent creation. Help my unbelief and keep my faith strong. Let me listen for your voice and your call. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Anne Sullivan
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