ACTS

A big part of sharing the love of Jesus with others involves praying with them. They may not ask you, but you should ask as often as you can if you can pray with them. Prayer is a good way to demonstrate that Christianity is not a philosophy so much as a relationship. It is tapping into the power of the gospel for healing and salvation. It is also our duty. Spontaneous prayer can be intimidating at first, but do not be afraid. Let me offer some tips:

Imagine you are listening to a coworker and she is venting to you. She tells you that her son is failing his classes at school. She is at her wits end and doesn’t know what to do. He keeps getting into trouble. This is a perfect opportunity to offer to pray with her. Sure, she might say no, but she will probably say yes even if she is not a disciple. Just offering to pray with someone is hard, but now that you have overcome that part, how do you get started? There is a formula I like that a lot of people use to help us pray spontaneously when the situation calls for it.
Just remember the acronym A.C.T.S.
• Adoration – As a matter of justice we should worship and recognize God for who He is – Our loving creator and savior. Adoration is a good way to start any prayer. You can open prayer with others by simply saying “Almighty God, we praise your holy name.” It doesn’t have to be long or drawn-out. You can pray any prayer of adoration and praise to God for his attributes: merciful, forgiving, faithful, generous, steadfast in love, etc. Praise and adoration strengthens your faith and the faith of the person you are praying with.
• Contrition – We can pray for forgiveness for our sins against God and against others. Forgiveness opens the floodgates of God’s grace. When we pray with others we should ask God to forgive OUR trespasses. Don’t let the person feel singled out. We’re all sinners in the same leaky boat. You can lead them in praying the Our Father together.
• Thanksgiving – We can thank God for the good things he has given us and done for us in our life.
• Supplication – We can ask God to provide for our needs.

When praying for others recall ACTS in your own mind. Start by adoring God. “Almighty God and Father we praise your holy name. You are awesome.” Then think in your mind “okay, now contrition” and offer a prayer out loud asking for the forgiveness of our sins. “We are sorry for the ways that we have failed you. In Jesus Christ, forgive us our sins against you and against our neighbor.” Thank God for all of the good things in the person’s life, and then implore God to bless the person and fulfill their true needs that they have asked prayer for. “Lord, we thank you for this mother who loves her child so much. We know that you love him even more. Jesus we ask you to bless and help this mom’s son as he is struggling with school. Give him the courage to talk to his parents about what is bothering him and his parents the openness to listen and respond in love. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
It’s okay to have silent pauses when you’re praying to think of what to say and to give the Holy Spirit time to help you. But remembering this ACTS formula helps keep you from getting stuck, dispels any performance anxiety you may feel praying in front of someone and helps you to feel more comfortable praying out loud. Remember prayer is not a performance. It’s a conversation. Just talk to God sincerely in regular words.

One more suggestion, and this is just my personal preference. If someone asks you to pray for them, don’t just say you will and then forget like me. Take them aside there and then and just do it quickly and immediately. Then it’s done and off your conscience. If I do promise to pray and later I forget, I can tack it on to my bedtime prayers with something like, “You know, Lord, all the people I said I’d pray for. You know who they are and what they need. Take care of it please.” But taking action while the person is with you is better.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit.—1 Thessalonians 5:16-19