Prayer - ACTS

The method of praying using the acronym of ACTS is well-known. Focusing our heart on various aspects of our communication with the Lord, we can find direction during our prayer time.

This is also helpful for children as well. They are very quick to learn the acronym and what each segment means. It is an effective evaluation for parents to learn the deficiencies in training. For example, our children were very good at Thanksgiving and Supplication (praying for others), but not so good at the others. This method provided an opportunity to grow in other areas of prayer.

I guide them through the prayer time encouraging them to keep their eyes closed the whole time. (I still have to remind them not to lay down or be a distraction.) I explain that we would do short "popcorn" prayers; which means one sentence only, in random order, and opportunity to pray again and again. I tell them which section we're on and pray first each time. (Once they learn the model, they are not so dependent on my praying first.) Then they pray. To begin with, I have to remind them what each component is and model what to say again. But as we repeat this practice, they learn fast!

A - Adoration (This aspect focuses on the character of God, not what He has done. "God, You are . . . ")

C - Confession (Focus on confessing things that we have done wrong. Parents may have to give children suggestions to get started. If no mistakes can be remembered, pray, "search my heart God.")

T - Thanksgiving (Thank God for all He has done! This is usually very easy for kids and can go on and on!)

S - Supplication (Pray for needs of others, salvation of neighbors and friends, personal requests, etc.)

Let my prayer be set before You as incense,

The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2

But certainly God has heard me;

He has attended to the voice of my prayer. Psalm 66:19

Introduction

The Spiritual Training of our kids--it should be enough to take them to church and send them to Vacation Bible School in the summer, right? They'll know all the stories and hear about Jesus, isn't that all I need to do?

From what I have seen in my kids even at this stage (4, 6, & 8 years old), it's not enough. Yes, they can answer the questions and tell the stories. But what about their hearts? Where are their values? I see selfishness and pride too often in one day (even one hour) to think that they are doing OK. Should I wait until they're older? Is it any easier then? I don't think the people I know with teenagers would say it gets any easier--in fact, the contrary, it just gets more difficult.

So what can I do now? My husband and I so desire to capture their hearts at an early age, to build a foundation intrinsically (internally, not just outside motivation--although that helps). Though the church usually does not teach us how to train our children (or that it is even our responsbility), I believe that we are to take a step up and care more about our children's spiritual heritage than their academic progress or their athletic training. To care more? In America? Wow, that's radical!

Going beyond the status quo . . . Yes, that's what I want! That's what my husband wants! But how do we do that for our kids?

To be honest, we're not sure. Baucham's book, Family Driven Faith, was an excellent resource to begin thinking about this issue and where we go from here. We do have an initial plan that we trust the Lord will use, hence the purpose of this blog--to share with you our plan, in case you would like to use it in your home.

So, to begin, let's pray: O Lord, we feel so much pressure as parents to do things just right so we don't mess up our kids for life. But thank You that in spite of our mistakes, You can teach us and change us. Thank You that You have entrusted these children specifically to us. Sometimes, we're just not sure what to do with them. Lord, would you teach us? Use these ideas and plans to shape our children's hearts as we entrust them to You daily in prayer. Thank You that You have a plan and purpose for which You are preparing them even now! Amen.