What Are The 4 Types of Prayer? A Deep Dive Into ACTS

Introduction: What Are The 4 Types of Prayer?

Prayer. It’s more than a ritual—it’s the lifeline of the believer. In a world buzzing with noise, prayer is where the soul exhales. Whether whispered in the dark, spoken in a crowd, or silently carried in the heart, prayer anchors us to something far greater than ourselves. It’s how we talk to God—and how, sometimes, He talks back. It is a two-way communication system.

But even in its simplicity, prayer can feel overwhelming. What do you say? How do you begin? That’s where the ACTS model comes in—a timeless, biblically rooted framework that helps shape our conversations with God into something deeper, richer, and more intentional.

ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—four core types of prayer that reflect a full, authentic relationship with God. They aren’t just categories; they’re movements of the heart. Together, they form a rhythm that invites us into honest worship, healing, gratitude, and trust.

As you read through each type, pause. Reflect. Which type of prayer is missing most in your life right now?

Let’s explore what it means to pray with purpose—and how ACTS can guide your steps.

Understanding the ACTS Model of Prayer

The ACTS model isn’t a formula—it’s a spiritual compass. It helps you approach God not just with needs, but with depth. At its core, ACTS is a guide to meaningful, balanced prayer—a structure that honors both God’s holiness and our humanity.

Each letter of ACTS—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication—represents a different way of communicating with God. These types of prayer show up throughout Scripture and mirror the dimensions of any healthy relationship: respect, honesty, gratitude, and trust.

Why does this matter?

Because prayer isn’t just about speaking—it’s about connecting. It’s not a one-way list of requests; it’s a sacred conversation. And when we pray through the ACTS model, we step into a rhythm that quiets the chaos and centers our spirit on what matters most.

Whether you’re new to prayer or seeking to deepen your walk with God, ACTS offers a grounded yet flexible way to draw closer. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

Let’s break down each type and discover how they can transform your spiritual life from routine to revival.

The 4 Types of Prayer Explained

1. Prayer of Adoration

Adoration is where prayer begins—and often, where it finds its deepest power. This is the kind of prayer that doesn’t ask for anything. Instead, it stands in awe. It’s worship in its purest form: declaring who God is, not just what He’s done.

When you pray in adoration, you’re acknowledging God’s majesty, sovereignty, and holiness. It’s less about your needs and more about His nature. Think of it like gazing at the stars—not because they can do something for you, but because their beauty demands attention.

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” – Psalm 111:2

Use adoration to realign your heart. Begin by declaring God’s attributes: “You are faithful, You are just, You are love.” This posture doesn’t just lift God up—it lifts your spirit, too.

2. Prayer of Confession

This is the hard but healing part. Confession is the act of coming clean. It’s the moment we admit we’ve fallen short—and invite grace to do what shame never could: restore us.

Confession isn’t about groveling; it’s about growth. The Bible promises that when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive. This prayer draws us closer to Him by clearing the spiritual clutter that keeps us distant.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

Try starting with honesty: “Lord, I’ve messed up. I’ve held onto pride. I’ve hurt others. Forgive me.” Confession reopens the door to intimacy with God and aligns us with the grace we desperately need.

3. Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gratitude is powerful. It shifts our perspective from lack to abundance. The prayer of thanksgiving recognizes that everything good—every breath, every breakthrough, every lesson in hardship—is a gift.

This isn’t just about saying thanks for blessings when life feels good. It’s about thanking God even in the trials, knowing He’s shaping you through them.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17
“…that I may know Him… and the fellowship of His sufferings.” – Philippians 3:10

Thanksgiving turns prayer into a lens that helps you see your life with divine clarity. Try this: “God, thank You for today. For strength I didn’t know I had. For peace I can’t explain.”

4. Prayer of Supplication

Supplication is what most people think of when they hear “prayer.” It’s the asking. It’s bringing your needs, fears, desires, and dreams to God—not because He doesn’t know, but because He wants to hear it from you.

This includes both personal requests (petition) and prayers on behalf of others (intercession). And Scripture is clear: we’re encouraged to boldly approach God with our needs.

Also Read: The Lord’s Prayer: Origins and Meaning

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6

Come to God with open hands: “Lord, I need You in this situation. Help me. Guide me. Heal them.” Supplication is a reminder that you’re never meant to carry your burdens alone.

Types of Prayer in the Bible

While the ACTS model offers a foundational framework, the Bible paints a broader picture of how God’s people communicate with Him. Prayer, after all, is deeply human—raw, varied, and often messy. Beyond Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication, Scripture introduces us to other expressions of prayer that reflect the complexity of life and faith.

Prayers of Lament

Sometimes, prayer is a cry from the depths. Lament is the language of pain, confusion, and sorrow. It doesn’t deny God’s goodness—it wrestles with it. The Psalms are full of lament, where the psalmists ask, “How long, O Lord?” (Psalm 13). These prayers are brutally honest—and deeply sacred.

Prayers of Vow or Commitment

In moments of clarity or desperation, believers often make vows to God, committing themselves to a course of action if God intervenes. Think of Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 1:11, where she promises to dedicate her child to the Lord. These prayers carry weight and intention.

Prayers for Healing and Deliverance

The early church prayed boldly for healing and miracles. James 5:14-15 instructs the sick to call on the elders for prayer. Jesus Himself modeled this—laying hands on the sick, casting out demons, and interceding with power.

Intercessory Prayer

This is the prayer that stands in the gap for others. Whether you’re praying for a friend’s peace, a nation’s healing, or a stranger’s salvation, intercession reflects the selfless heart of Christ.

Prayer can also be contemplative—a quiet resting in God’s presence—or liturgical, using set prayers from tradition. It can be communal, like corporate worship, or deeply personal, whispered alone in your room.

The beauty of biblical prayer is that it isn’t one-size-fits-all. God meets you where you are, in whatever form your heart can muster. What matters most isn’t the method—it’s the connection.

Summary Table – At A Glance

Sometimes, simplicity brings clarity. Here’s a quick-reference table that captures the essence of the four core types of prayer in the ACTS model, along with their scriptural anchors:

This model doesn’t just organize your prayer—it deepens it. It reminds you to praise before petition, to confess before asking, and to give thanks in all things.

Conclusion

Prayer is more than a habit—it’s a heartbeat. And the ACTS model gives that heartbeat rhythm, balance, and direction. Through Adoration, we remember who God is. Through Confession, we make space for grace. Through Thanksgiving, we shift our focus from scarcity to abundance. And through Supplication, we lay down our needs, trusting that He hears and cares.

The beauty of ACTS is its simplicity. You don’t need perfect words or spiritual eloquence. You just need honesty. God isn’t looking for performance—He’s after connection.

So here’s the challenge:
As you reflect on these four types of prayer, which one have you been skipping?
Is it time to stop asking and start adoring?
To stop hiding and start confessing?
To stop worrying and start thanking?
To stop carrying and start surrendering?

Prayer is the language of relationship. And like any relationship, it grows deeper when it’s nurtured from every angle. ACTS isn’t a rulebook—it’s an invitation.

🙏 Try this today: Spend five minutes with each type of prayer. No pressure, just presence.
Your soul might be surprised at what happens next.

Sample ACTS Prayer

A – Adoration:
God, You are holy, eternal, and full of mercy. You are the Creator of all things, and yet You care for me. There is no one like you—full of grace, justice, and love.

C – Confession:
I confess I’ve allowed distractions to take priority over you. I’ve spoken words I shouldn’t have, held onto pride, and acted out of fear. Forgive me, Lord. Cleanse my heart and renew my spirit.

T – Thanksgiving:
Thank you for life, for strength, and your daily provision. Thank you for loving me even when I fall short. I’m grateful for the trials that have shaped me and the peace that holds me.

S – Supplication:
I ask for wisdom in the decisions ahead, healing for those who are sick, and provision for those in need. Strengthen my faith and help me to walk in Your will each day.

Amen.

FAQ on 4 Types of Prayer

Can I use the ACTS model every time I pray?

Absolutely. While it’s not a strict formula, it provides a healthy, balanced rhythm for prayer. You can move through all four types or focus on one depending on your season.

Is there a specific order I should follow?

ACTS provides a helpful sequence—adoration before supplication shifts our mindset—but it’s not mandatory. Let the Holy Spirit guide the flow.

How long should each section take?

There’s no time limit. Some days, adoration may last seconds; other times, confession might open deeper reflection. Follow sincerity over structure.

Can I pray ACTS silently?

Yes. God hears silent prayers just as clearly as spoken ones. Whether you write it down, whisper it, or simply think it, He listens.