The "ACTS" of Prayer and Maturity

ACTS is a book of the Bible, not a way to pray

What is prayer? This is the question a video I watched attempts to answer. In the video, the acronym ACTS is used as a way in which to guide an individual through prayer. “A” stands for “Adoration.” Adoration is described as fervent and devoted love. The “C” stands for “Confession.” The video defines confession as an admission of guilt and asking forgiveness. The “T” in ACTS is for “Thanksgiving.” This, obviously, means a grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors. Lastly, the “S” represents “Supplication,” which is to request or ask for something. In general, there is nothing wrong with this approach. However, I like to put things into examples to see if they are a proper representation of our relationship with God. For example, let’s say a child wanted a cookie and used ACTS to ask their father’s permission. “Oh father, I love you with all my heart. You are the best father in the entire world. I admit I am not the best child a parent could have. You know all too well the problems I have caused. I am truly sorry for this and ask for you to forgive the pain I have caused you. Thank you for always providing me with food, shelter, clothing, guidance and someone to play with. I have, but one, simple request. Can I have a cookie?” I hope you laughed because I did. If a child approached his father this way, the father would be like, “Gimme a break! Enough with all the flattery, already, what do you want?” 

While I am sure a parent wouldn’t be upset, but using ACTS as a way in which to have a conversation with your father is ridiculous. Personally, while God may smile at you for approaching Him this way, I think He would say the same thing: “What do you want, my child?” I believe prayer is nothing more and nothing less than intimate and intelligent conversation with our heavenly Father. Just before Jesus Christ was arrested, tortured and left to die an agonizing death on the cross, He went to God the Father in prayer. “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will (Matthew 26:39).”” We don’t see Jesus invoking ACTS or any other “formula” to speak to God the Father. He simply gave His request, but acknowledged that God the Father is the one that knows what is best to make sure His plans are carried out. It is interesting to note that by becoming a man, in Jesus Christ, God gave us His example of how to pray to Him as His child. That is an “act” we can follow. 

 Physical versus Spiritual Maturity

There is a difference between physical maturity and spiritual maturity. It is easy to see an individual go from being a child to being an adult. Similarly, it is easy to measure the progress of a student from the beginning of school until the end of school, through the administering of exams. Therefore, when it comes to spiritual matters, the assumption is often made that those with the most knowledge and schooling are those most mature in the faith. This isn’t always the case. Jesus told the Jews, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life (John 5:39-40).” The teachers of the law and the Pharisees are some of the most respected and knowledgeable people in the Jewish community. Yet, as much as they knew, they didn’t have the discernment to recognize the God of the Scriptures they taught standing in their midst. Conversely, the Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy by saying, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).” As one commentary writes, “Timothy was probably in his mid-30s or younger, and in that day, such an influential position was not usually held by a man so young. For this reason, perhaps his leadership had been called into question.” 

 

We rightfully attribute age, experience and knowledge with wisdom and maturity. However, while this works as a general rule it is not necessarily the case when it comes to knowing your God and applying that which He shares with you. “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14).” Jesus Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is the one who teaches us His truth. He does not put any prerequisite on a person’s age, knowledge level, skill or time as a Christian. All He asks is a willing heart and a teachable spirit. While God uses all His children to spread the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, He is not so much concerned with your ability, but your availability. Yes, God has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to prepare His people and build us up, but He has also said that we are all ministers of the New Covenant. Ultimately, if anybody has anything of value to say about Jesus Christ and the Bible, it is because the Lord our God has taught them. All He asks is that we allow Him to use us.