Growing Deeper with Jesus

You can grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus the same way you would with anyone else. You talk to them, spend time with them, and listen to them, and prayer is the best way to do this!

There is no right or wrong way to pray, but sometimes it’s helpful to use a guide. One easy guide to follow is using the acronym ACTS.

Adoration (Isaiah 25:1CloseIsaiah 25:1 O LORD, I will honor and praise your name,  for you are my God.You do such wonderful things!  You planned them long ago,  and now you have accomplished them. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

Confession (Psalms 32:5ClosePsalms 32:5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you  and stopped trying to hide my guilt.I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."  And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.    Interlude OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

Thanksgiving (Psalms 9:1ClosePsalms 9:1 I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;  I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

Supplication (1 Thessalonians 5:17Close1 Thessalonians 5:17 Never stop praying. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) )

Start by praising God for who He is (adoration). This will help you remember the characteristics of God. Now bring your confessions to Him (confession). Acknowledge the areas where you are struggling and need help. Remember, we never have to clean ourselves up to talk to Him. He knows us better than we know ourselves and is always there for us.

Next, spend time thanking God for what He has done in your life (thanksgiving). Isn’t it great that this step happens before asking God for anything? What a great reminder of God’s hand over your life and how He has transformed you from old to new (2 Corinthians 5:17Close2 Corinthians 5:17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

Finally, bring your requests to the Lord (supplication). This is a great time to talk to God about your wants and desires, and you can bring requests to God on behalf of others. Talk to Jesus the way you would speak to your friend. After all, no one knows you better than your Heavenly Father.