“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
I am a firm believer that, in those moments of extreme uncertainty, the God-sized vacuum in the condition of man causes him to look up to the skies and ask, “Why is this happening?” I don’t care whether there is a belief in God or not, eventually, mankind looks up and wonders why. I know that I’ve done this many times throughout my life and have had those moments where it feels as if my questions hit the ceiling and fall back down on me. However, if I knew then what I know now I would have seen that the Bible shows us the importance of prayer in the way that Jesus taught it to His disciples.
In Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 (which is a shorter version) we will see The Lord’s Prayer. This was the very first way I was taught to pray from my way back days. But if we were to really take a look at this, in Scripture, we’ll see this is more of a guide in how we are to approach God. In Matthew’s account (Matt 6:5-8) we will see that an open display of pseudo-piety falls by the wayside and is replaced by the notion that our communication with the Almighty needs to be held in private. Jesus did this quite often, so if it was good enough for Him, it is good enough for us. So, without further a-do let’s get the full essence of what has been called the A.C.T.S model of prayer and start with this request… “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1b)
ADORATION…I would imagine that every earthly king really dug it when the subjects he ruled over would approach his throne and then start flattering him with words of high praise. Unfortunately, this might have been done outta humiliation rather than humility. James 4:6 tells us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” So, when we approach the King of kings, let our expression of adoration be the truth of who He is…our Rock, our Redeemer, Lord, Savior, Healer, Chain Breaker. Let Him know your reverence of Him is true and worthy of His acceptance.
CONFESSION…1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” None of us folks who bears the title “Christian” wants to be known for sinning all day, every day, but if you think you’re sinless then you’re foolish. Why? God already knows what is in our hearts and how we responded to it, so He wants to hear you acknowledge it and ask Him to forgive it. I haven’t seen a list of sins He wouldn’t forgive (well there is one) so to cling onto these burdens would be hindrance to Him answering prayer.
THANKSGIVING…Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” If you ain’t living that old worn-out existence anymore and it is because of the peace of Christ, it doesn’t hurt to express that to El-Elyon. “Thank you, God, for loving me, saving me, healing me, teaching me, changing me, growing me, using, your Holy Spirit in me, Your Living Word, Your Grace and Mercy, Your Peace, Protection and Provision. That’s my short list, I suggest you use it.
SUPPLICATION…This is the part where you get to ask The Most High-God to grant favor. I was gonna say to “grant you favor” but it might be better to lift up others first. We can lift up our children, spouses, parents, the church, people who you work with or come into contact with, then you. Express those struggles that need to be overcome, your health, your finances, you get the idea. Now I do warn you to be careful, as we read in James 4:2-3, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” So, check that heart condition before you approach the Throne of Grace!
All in all, Jesus was pretty clear, prayer is a reverend act that is important in the life of those who call themselves His children. The walk down the narrow road is one that requires much prayer and to do it in the right mindset and the right heart set is key in the life of a Christian. If we follow the model that Jesus set before then, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7) Isn’t it comforting to know that God wants to hear from us, Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a husband, a father, has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net
