ACTS: A Way to Pray

Wednesday, January 19

Isaiah 55:12-13

For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall make a name for the Lord, an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Adoration:

Dear Heavenly Father,

You are the Creator of Joy and the Author of Peace! You are the only One who can make all things new! I see it in the changing seasons; you speak through something as small as the first bud of spring after a long harsh winter. I also feel it in my own heart—I know you desire to give me your beauty and strength!

Confession:

Forgive me for the times when I do not want you and your transforming ways. I confess to you my negative-self-talk that is so defeating not only to myself, but also those around me. Why do I choose to station my mind in the “thorns” and “briers” when you are offering me the beautiful truths that resemble the “cypress” and myrtle”? I confess my downward-spiral-emotions once again. Ugh!

Thanksgiving:

Thank you, Father, Son, and Spirit for entering in to rescue me from myself! Thank you for taking hold of my mind with your love. Thank you for seeing my worth and speaking words of truth into my heart. Thank you for your desire to make me into something beautiful for the glory of your name.

Supplication:

Help me to get out of your way! Continue to change my mind so that it resembles yours, Lord Jesus. Give me a heart that is moldable in your hands. On a daily basis, I want to “go out in joy and be led forth in peace!” I can only do that with your strength and beauty that abides in me through your Spirit. So please, come and straighten me out one more time. I pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Use these verses and ACTS to write your own personal prayer in your journal.

Reread the passage above. What are some characteristics of God that speak to your heart? Can you identify with anything in the prayer above? Feel free to share in the comments below for the purpose of encouragement to other Soul Sisters.