T. E. A. R. S.

An acronym is an abbreviation formed from the initial components in a phrase or a word. These components may be individual letters (as in CEO) or parts of words. The term acronym is the name for a word from the first letters of each word in a series of words (such as sonar, created from SOund Navigation And Ranging)

 A common acronym helping or aiding prayer is the acronym ACTS. It is common knowledge that ACTS stands for Adoration – Confession- Thanksgiving- Supplication.

 Many believers use this acronym in their daily prayer time as a guide which keeps prayer on track and “orderly.” This aid is a tremendous help to many people and as it has been said, “If it ain’t broke yet-don’t fix it.” What I mean by that is if it works well for you then by all means continue to use it.

However, as I was reading Jerry Bridges (The Transforming Power of the Gospel) and reading an interview he had given in a blog, I noticed something that stood out in his words. 

When Bridges prayed he began with Thanksgiving. As I pondered this I realized that although either beginning with Adoration for God or Confession of our sin is a good way to begin prayer, it dawned on me that thanking God for what He has already provided or done for me was also a good way to begin my prayer time.

As I thought further on this, I began to realize that as I was thanking God it brought awareness to me of how good God really has been to me. Realizing this truth made me want to acknowledge my love and appreciation for God. In other words, thanking Him led me to the adoration of God.

But, as I was driven to the adoration of God it caused me to become aware of my sin of ungratefulness, selfishness, self-centeredness, and other sins. This led me to desire to confess those sins as well as other sins. Of course as I confess my sin I realized I needed to forsake or repent of my sin.

As I began with Thanksgiving, moved to Adoration, transitioning into Confession and Repentance, it increased my desire to pray for others. Supplication is an important part of our prayer life. We are to make intercessory prayer for others.

So, to make a long post short, I have developed a new acronym to aid and assist in praying: TEARS:

T – Thanksgiving to God for all that He is and for what He has done for me

E – Esteem (deep adoration) for the character and nature of God

A – Admission or confession to God for my sin and sins.

R – Repentance for my sin and sins; a turning away from them and a turning to God

S – Supplication for others and their spiritual needs.

Next time you are praying maybe you might remember this and pray using TEARS. Of course, those tears that run down our cheeks and on to our prayer list or Bible are often a part of our prayer life also.