Fearlessly Courageous
Desk of Dennis Piller
1 19 2026

Audio Version

Learning the Protocol of the King Part II of II   
  From Wish Lists to Worship

Last time we spoke about how we struggle to place Adoration before confession and thanksgiving, and why we rush too quickly to supplication.

ACTS
A – Adoration
C – Confession
T – Thanksgiving
S – Supplication

Most of us don’t start with A in ACTS.
We sprint straight to S.  You know…. “Lord, here’s my list…”

Nothing wrong with supplication.
The Bible commands it.

“Let your requests be made known to God.” — Philippians 4:6

But notice something surprising when you read the Holy Spirit–inspired prayers of Scripture—especially the Psalms.

There is very little S
and a whole lot of A.

So the question isn’t, “Should we pray differently than Jesus?”
The question is, “Why are we in such a hurry?”

Confession and Thanksgiving are often called the bridge, because after adoration comes confession.

Not shame.
Not groveling.
Just honesty.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart.”  Psalm 139:23

When we see God’s holiness, we can’t help but see our own need.
But confession never leaves us there.

It moves us into thanksgiving.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”  Psalm 103:2

Gratitude reminds us:
We are not begging a reluctant God.
We are approaching a generous King. (Oh, what a startling realization!)

That’s why praying for enemies for 30 days works.
It forces the heart through confession and thanksgiving—until bitterness has nowhere left to hide.

How does one learn to speak to God using God’s words?

If you want to grow articulate in prayer
If you want a prayer language
Immerse yourself in the Psalms.

They are:

  • Holy Spirit inspired
  • God’s words
  • Given back to God

“O Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth.” — Psalm 8:1
“My soul magnifies the Lord.” — Mary, Luke 1:46

Notice how often prayer begins not with needs…but with wonder.

As believers mature, they don’t rush past adoration.
They linger there.  Are you listening?

Supplication: Is there a Right Place

Only then do we come to S — Supplication and Intercession.

Now our requests are shaped.
Now our tone is humble.
Now our hearts trust God’s will.

We no longer just hand God a wish list
We place our needs in the hands of the King.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” — James 4:10

ACTS isn’t about praying longer.
It’s about praying truer.

It always begins with worship.
Moves through honesty.
Rests in gratitude.
Then asks boldly.

Because when we remember who God is
AND who we are,
prayer stops being a transaction
and becomes a transformation.

Can I ask you some Reflection Questions on ACTS?

Adoration

  • Who am I aware of when I begin to pray—God or myself?
  • If God were visibly present, would my tone change?
  • Do I rush past worship to get to my requests?

Confession

  • What does God’s holiness reveal about my heart right now?
  • Is there anything I’m avoiding agreeing with God about?
  • Do I confess to be free—or to feel forgiven again?

Thanksgiving

  • What has God already done that I take for granted?
  • Do I thank God more for His gifts—or for His character?
  • How does gratitude change the way I see my problems?

Supplication / Intercession

  • Are my requests shaped by trust or urgency?
  • Who am I willing to pray for that’s difficult to love?
  • What would change if I prayed for them for 30 days?
  • Lastly, what does my posture in prayer say about my heart?
  • Am I more casual than reverent with God?
  • When was the last time I slowed down before the King?

Here is Your Final Heart Check

  • Where do I spend the most time in ACTS?
  • Which letter do I skip too quickly?
  • What might God be inviting me to linger in?

Pray about it.  It will change how you hear God.

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Turn your eyes upon Jesus lauren daigle