I love categories, frameworks and layouts. Â Wonderful freedom in wise frameworks. Â Here’s my latest musings on categories for various types of prayers. Â It expands on the very simple (perhaps overly simple, but still useful) acronym, A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication).
Wow!
Adoration. Â The most basic and fitting response to the majesty, power, incomprehensibility of the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Â Psalm 8 is a great example.
Sorry.
Confession. Â The most basic and fitting response to our selfishness, weakness and indifference which all keep us from doing the good we are able to do in the world. Â Psalm 51 is a great example.
Thanks. Â
Thanksgiving. Â The most basic and fitting response to God’s undeserved gifts to us. Â It is the posture of gratitude, and the opposite of entitlement. Â Psalm 118 is a great example.
Why?
Lament. Â The most basic and fitting response to events and circumstances which seem totally opposite of what we’d expect or hope for. Â Psalm 22 is a great example.
Help!
Supplication. Â This most basic and fitting response to our awareness of need concerning ourselves, other people, and other situations in the world. Â Psalm 86 is a great example.
Now then. Â Why is it that Wow, Thanks and Help are common in gathered worship, and Sorry and Why are so rare?