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The ABCs of Prayer – Priming the Pump of Praise


Praising God.  Sometimes I just don’t feel like it.  Sometimes He seems too quiet and my “human nature” is way too loud.  So how do I praise Him on those days?  I believe that these are the times when praise becomes critical – a true sacrifice.  It’s easy to praise the Lord when things are good.  But what about those days when you receive bad news?  Or when you’re the bearer of bad news and devastate someone else?  Or when you’re just blah and heading toward depression?

On those days, I prime the pump of praise.  When I lose the awe over how good God really is, I remind myself of His characteristics and often find myself transformed during my prayer time.

I usually observe the A.C.T.S. prayer model when I pray.  A.C.T.S. stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (a fancy word for making requests).  Today, I’m going to share with you my formula that can be used to begin your adoration time (or confession, thanksgiving and supplication time).  I simply start with “A”.

Father, You’re Amazing!

Breathtaking…

Compassionate…

Delightful…

Encouraging…

Faithful…

Glorious…

Holy, holy, holy…

Indescribable…

Joy…

Kindness…

Love…

Mighty…

Near to me…

Opulent…

Patient…

Quick to forgive…

Restoration…

Salvation…

Thoughtful…

Uncontainable…

Vast…

Wisdom…

eXciting…

the same Yesterday, today and forever…

Zealous for me.

At any point, I am apt to genuinely engage the Creator and begin spontaneously praising Him.  That’s the idea.  Just tell Him Who He is A to Z.  Keep a list of His characteristics – I use index cards, one for each letter – and use your notes to pray if you need to.  I use the alphabet because it’s an easy way for me to stay on track when I can’t have my notes with me – like when I’m driving, showering, walking the dogs.

Please comment on this post and let me know how this technique works for you.  I’d also love to hear if you have other techniques that help you pray and praise.  And please share any wonderful words you use to describe our Wonderful Lord.

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