When we talk about the “ACTS Prayer Acronym,” we’re usually referring to a classic Christian model for structured prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
This timeless framework helps believers approach God with reverence, humility, gratitude, and heartfelt requests. Each part represents a key posture of the heart when praying.
But what if you’re looking for alternative expressions or frameworks—other spiritual acronyms or prayer styles that suit different moods, emotional needs, or seasons of life? Whether you’re deepening your faith, teaching others, or exploring new ways to connect with God, having more options gives you spiritual flexibility.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 alternative acronyms and their meanings. Each offers a unique focus—some emphasize intimacy with God, others spiritual discipline, others emotional healing or mission-mindedness. We’ll also give a brief explanation, example prayer line, and guidance on when each format fits best.
🙏 30 Alternatives to the ACTS Prayer Acronym
1. PRAY – Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield
Example line: “Lord, I praise You, I repent of my doubts, I ask for guidance, and I surrender to Your will.”
When to use: A more modern and personal version of ACTS. Great for youth and small groups.
2. CHAT – Confess, Honor, Ask, Thank
Example: “God, I confess my sin, honor You as King, ask for wisdom, and thank You for peace.”
Best for: Conversational prayer styles.
3. LOVE – Listen, Offer, Value, Exalt
Example: “I quiet my heart to listen… I offer my time and life… I value Your Word… I exalt You above all.”
When to use: Intimate or meditative prayer times.
4. FAITH – Focus, Ask, Intercede, Trust, Hear
Example: “Help me focus on You, Lord… I intercede for my friend… I trust Your timing.”
When to use: Intercessory or trust-building prayer.
5. HOPE – Honor, Offer, Petition, Expect
Example: “I honor Your name, offer my service, petition You for change, and expect miracles.”
When to use: Encouraging or faith-lifting prayer.
6. HEAL – Hear, Examine, Ask, Let Go
Example: “Lord, hear my cries… examine my heart… I ask for peace… I let go of pain.”
When to use: Prayers for emotional or physical healing.
7. WALK – Worship, Abide, Listen, Kneel
Example: “I worship You with all I am… I abide in Your presence… I kneel before You in humility.”
When to use: Daily devotion and spiritual discipline.
8. GROW – Gratitude, Repentance, Obedience, Worship
Example: “Thank You for today… I repent of selfishness… I choose obedience… I worship You fully.”
When to use: Spiritual maturity and transformation focus.
9. REST – Receive, Examine, Surrender, Trust
Example: “I receive Your peace… I examine my motives… I surrender my plans… I trust Your heart.”
When to use: Evening or quiet-time prayer.
10. KING – Kneel, Invite, Name, Glorify
Example: “I kneel in awe… invite You into my struggles… name You as Healer… glorify Your name.”
When to use: Worship-focused moments.
11. LIFT – Love, Intercede, Forgive, Trust
Example: “I love You, Lord… intercede for the hurting… choose to forgive… and trust in You.”
When to use: Compassion-centered prayers.
12. GIFT – Give Thanks, Invite God, Forgive Others, Trust Again
Example: “Thank You for today… I invite You in… I forgive… I trust again.”
When to use: Restorative, grace-focused prayer.
13. CALL – Confess, Adore, Listen, Love
Example: “I confess my doubts… adore You above all… I listen for Your voice… I love You back.”
When to use: When feeling distant from God.
14. PATH – Praise, Admit, Thank, Help
Example: “I praise You, Lord… admit my faults… thank You for grace… help me walk in love.”
When to use: All-purpose prayer time.
15. ROOT – Repent, Obey, Offer, Trust
Example: “Lord, I repent… I obey Your Word… I offer my life… I trust Your way.”
When to use: Deepening commitment or discipleship.
16. BOLD – Believe, Obey, Listen, Declare
Example: “I believe Your promises… obey Your Word… listen for Your voice… declare Your truth.”
When to use: Courage-focused prayer moments.
17. GRIP – Glorify, Repent, Intercede, Praise
Example: “I glorify You… repent of sin… intercede for my family… and praise Your name.”
When to use: Structured group prayer.
18. TRUST – Thank, Release, Understand, Submit, Testify
Example: “I thank You, God… release my anxiety… submit my plans… and testify of Your goodness.”
When to use: Prayer during seasons of uncertainty.
19. WASH – Worship, Ask, Surrender, Heal
Example: “I worship You… ask for peace… surrender my burden… heal my wounds.”
When to use: Renewal and cleansing prayers.
20. PEACE – Praise, Examine, Accept, Commit, Express
Example: “I praise You… examine my heart… accept Your grace… commit my ways… express my thanks.”
When to use: Inner calm and clarity.
21. GRACE – Give Thanks, Repent, Ask, Commit, Exalt
Example: “I give thanks, repent honestly, ask boldly, commit daily, exalt You always.”
When to use: Teaching the Gospel through prayer.
22. LIGHT – Listen, Invite, Give, Hold, Trust
Example: “I listen in stillness… invite Your presence… give my worries… hold onto faith… trust Your way.”
When to use: Morning or devotional prayer.
23. BLESS – Believe, Love, Encourage, Surrender, Serve
Example: “I believe You’re working… love those around me… surrender to Your call… serve with joy.”
When to use: Mission-minded or community prayers.
24. CLAY – Confess, Learn, Accept, Yield
Example: “I confess my sin… learn Your ways… accept Your will… yield to You fully.”
When to use: Identity and growth in God.
25. CROSS – Confess, Reflect, Offer, Surrender, Serve
Example: “I reflect on the cross… confess my need… surrender in love… serve with faith.”
When to use: Good Friday or communion.
26. PURE – Praise, Understand, Repent, Exalt
Example: “I praise You, seek to understand Your truth, repent from sin, and exalt You.”
When to use: Purity-themed messages or retreats.
27. DAWN – Declare, Ask, Worship, Notice
Example: “I declare Your faithfulness… ask for light… worship in stillness… notice Your presence.”
When to use: Early morning devotions.
28. RISE – Reflect, Intercede, Surrender, Exalt
Example: “I reflect in silence… intercede for others… surrender my control… exalt Your name.”
When to use: Prayer for spiritual renewal.
29. SALT – Seek, Ask, Love, Trust
Example: “I seek Your Word… ask for peace… love the unlovable… trust You still.”
When to use: Outreach and discipleship.
30. FIRE – Faith, Intercession, Repentance, Encounter
Example: “I pray in faith… intercede for healing… repent from pride… encounter Your Spirit.”
When to use: Revival and spiritual awakening.
🔍 How to Choose the Right Acronym for Prayer
When selecting a prayer model, think about:
- Spiritual focus: Want to worship deeply? Try KING or WALK. Need healing? Go for HEAL or WASH.
- Emotional needs: Feeling anxious? TRUST or REST may offer peace. Seeking boldness? Use BOLD or FIRE.
- Time of day: Morning? Try DAWN or LIGHT. Evening? Consider REST or PEACE.
- Audience: Teaching youth? Use simple ones like PRAY, CHAT, or PATH. Mature believers may enjoy GRACE or CLAY.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Prayer is a deeply personal and transformative experience. While the ACTS acronym offers a powerful foundation, these 30 alternatives can help you stay fresh, intentional, and spiritually connected. Try rotating between them, creating your own, or using one that best fits your current life season.
In the end, it’s not about the format—it’s about the faith behind the words.