When minds wander and noise intrudes it’s helpful to have guidelines for our prayer times. Below is a popular method of prayer that provides structure and shape to a practice that can be overwhelmingly flexible and daunting.

Begin with ADORATION. Finish this sentence:

God You are…

Need ideas about who God is? Read Isaiah 45:18-19, 22-25.

Proceed to CONFESSION. Finish this sentence:

God, I am…

Need ideas on areas of personal weakness and disobedience? Read Colossians 3:5-9.

Take a moment to THANK GOD. Finish this sentence:

God, thank You for…

Need help thinking of God’s good gifts? Read Psalm 103 in its entirety.

Conclude your time of prayer and ASK FOR HELP. Finish the sentence:

Jesus, help me with…

Why do we practice adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and prayer requests? The Bible tells us to. If you have time to expand your prayer time take a moment before each step and read the verses that correspond. This is in no way an exhaustive list, but it will begin to illuminate the power and purpose of prayer.

Adoration - Psalm 96, specifically verses 8-9.
Confession - I John 1:9
Thanksgiving - Philippians 4:6; I Thessalonians 5:18
Supplication - I Peter 5:7