The Structure of a Christian Prayer
Prayer is a beautiful gift — a way to talk with our Heavenly Father, to express love, ask for help, seek forgiveness, and thank Him for His goodness. But if you’re new to prayer or unsure where to begin, having a simple structure can really help.
In this article, we’ll explore two easy and powerful prayer models that have helped millions of believers:
- A step-by-step structure inspired by the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)
- The popular ACTS model: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication
Let’s begin with a simple prayer structure you can follow every day.
Here is a 6-step prayer structure inspired by the Lord’s Prayer:
1. Address God (“Our Father…”)
Begin by speaking directly to God. Use words that remind you of who He is — your Creator, Savior, and loving Father.
Examples:
- “Heavenly Father,”
- “My Father and my Lord,”
- “Almighty God,”
This helps you enter God’s presence with reverence and closeness.
2. Praise and Adoration (“Hallowed be Your name…”)
Worship God for who He is — holy, faithful, powerful, and loving. Begin your prayer with praise to honor Him.
You could say:
- “You are holy and worthy of all praise.”
- “I adore You, my King and Redeemer.”
- “Your name is above all names.”
3. Confession
Honestly admit your sins and ask for forgiveness. God promises to forgive those who come to Him with a sincere heart (1 John 1:9).
Simple confessions:
- “Lord, forgive me for my anger and doubts.”
- “I’ve failed You in my thoughts and actions — please cleanse me.”
- “Help me walk in Your ways again.”
4. Thanksgiving
Gratitude opens the door to peace and joy. Thank God for what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do.
Examples:
- “Thank You for loving me even when I fall.”
- “Thank You for my family, health, and daily bread.”
- “I’m grateful for Your promises and presence.”
5. Petition and Intercession
Now, bring your needs before God and pray for others as well. This includes spiritual, physical, emotional, and financial needs.
You might pray:
- “Please give me strength and wisdom today.”
- “Heal my loved one and comfort those who are grieving.”
- “Bless my church and help those in need.”
6. Submission to God’s Will
End with trust in God’s perfect will and timing. Like Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
You can say:
- “I trust You, Lord — Your plan is best.”
- “Have Your way in my life.”
- “Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done.”
Closing the Prayer (“In Jesus’ name, Amen.”)
We pray in Jesus’ name because He is our mediator and Savior (John 14:13–14). It shows our faith in Him.
Closing examples:
- “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
- “In the most highly exalted name of Jesus Christ, I pray, my Father, Amen.”
The ACTS Prayer Model
Another popular structure is the ACTS model, which is easy to remember and effective for personal or group prayer:
A – Adoration
Praise God for who He is — holy, loving, and powerful.
C – Confession
Confess your sins and ask for God’s cleansing.
T – Thanksgiving
Thank God for His blessings and answered prayers.
S – Supplication
Bring your needs and the needs of others to Him.
This model helps keep your prayer life balanced — not just asking, but also praising, thanking, and confessing.
Heavenly Father,
I praise You for Your holiness, kindness, and love.
Please forgive me for my sins and cleanse my heart.
Thank You for Your protection and daily blessings.
Lord, guide me today and help those who are struggling.
I surrender to Your will.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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