Today we will begin a study on the A.C.T.S. of prayer. This will be a series that will focus on Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. There is no magic way to pray, but using this method will put things in perspective. Our first lesson will deal with Adoration. By the end of the four lessons, you should have a greater love and understanding of God, and a greater desire to pray.
What is Adoration? It is an intense admiration that drives us to reverence and worship. True adoration in prayer can cause everything else to be put on the “back burner” of our life. The adoration part of prayer turns our hearts toward God and who he is. It helps us to put life itself into perspective. We then realize what an awesome God we serve.
I try to begin my prayer time in adoration. I pray back scripture to him. I recall the different names of God because they remind me of all the things he has done and who he really is. They remind me of his many attributes.
As I come to know him, I can better understand myself. In the presence of his holiness, I realize how unholy I am. I understand my great need for him. No sin will enter heaven, therefore I am in a mess. As I understand his provision of righteousness, I am overwhelmed. Each name reveals a different need that I have, that only he can provide.
Below is a list of some of the names of God. Today read them and pick out a couple and study to understand what that name means to you.
Immanuel, God with us. Matthew 1:23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Jehovah, the self-existent One. Exodus 6:2-4 “And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name, JEHOVAH was I not known to them. And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers.”
Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord who heals. Psalm 103:3 “Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;”
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness. Jesus is my righteousness when I stand before God.
Jehovah-Rohi, the Lord is my Shepherd. He is my protector. He directs, leads, and provides.
Jehovah-Shalom, the Lord gives peace. Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is there. There is no escape from his presence. Psalm 139:7-10 “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Adoni, my great Lord. God is the master and my total authority. Habakkuk 3:19 “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.”
Elohim, all-powerful, creator. This name is plural showing proof of the trinity. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”
El Rio, the God who sees me. He knows everything about me. Genesis 16:13 “And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me:”
El Shaddai, all-sufficient God of the mountain. Psalm 90:2 “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
Which name was special to you today and why?
Today he was many things to me, but he has especially shown me he is my El0him! As I look at His creation I am reminded of His power.
Did you spend time in prayer today?
