08/25/2021
WEDNESDAY’S WORD
What is prayer?
The Westminster Larger Catechism question’s 178-196 teach us on the topic of prayer. And I believe that going through these questions will help us better understand God’s gift of prayer. So I hope it is of encouragement and helps you grow in your Christian faith to equip you to practice these cherished Truths.
Question 178: What is prayer?
Answer 178: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God,[1] in the name of Christ,[2] by the help of his Spirit;[3] with confession of our sins,[4] and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.[5]
1. Psa. 62:8
2. John 16:23
3. Rom. 8:26
4. Psa. 32:5-6; Dan. 9:4
5. Phil. 4:6
I have learned prayer is more than just asking for God’s help. It is also a time to show our thankfulness to God and acknowledge His mercies.
One method of prayer I use is remembering the acronym ACTS.
A stands for adoration. Begin your prayers of capturing an attribute/characteristic about God (I.e. omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresence, faithful, always loving, etc.). This will set the stage of recalling who we are praying to.
C stands for confession. Remembering how Great and Good God is causes us to fall on our knees to confess our sins for we know He is faithful to forgive and is merciful to His people.
T stands for thanksgiving. Thank God for how He has saved us from an eternal life without Him and brought us near with a new fate to live with Him eternally. Also make this a time to thank him for His daily provision.
S is for supplication. Now take the time to ask for your needs/wants and trust that He hears our prayers.
I want to encourage you to try the method of ACTS. Perhaps you have a way to help you pray. Please share your experiences with prayer.
In His Steps,
Elder Wallie