+ Praying the Cross +

+ Praying the Cross +
This is one method I use to pray, especially when I’m tired.
Pray using the “ACTIP” acronym.
Spend time on each “letter”
Fr. Nigel+
Adoration: pray looking at the face of Jesus or the top of the cross
Spend some time adoring, praising and worshipping God by declaring things about who He is. (ie- Altogether good, loving, just, faithful, truth, etc.) Psalm 145:3 “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
Confession: pray looking at the right hand of God, or the right side of the Cross.
Spend time confessing your own sins to God. 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Thanksgiving: pray looking at His left hand, or the left side of the Cross.
Spend time listing out things you are thankful for—finding things to be thankful for will help you understand God’s purposes in hardship.
Ephesians 5:20, “And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Psalm 50:23, “But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me. If you keep to my path, I will reveal to you the salvation of God.”
Intercession: pray casting your eyes on the heart of the Lord or the center of the Cross.
Here we pray for the poor, the weak, the sick and the lonely. We pray for Christians, for people who don’t know Jesus, for our country, for different situations around you and around the world, etc. 1 Timothy 2:1 “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”
Petition: pray looking at the feet of Christ or the Base of the Cross.
This is the part where you bring your personal requests to God— Seeking first the Kingdom of God. Praying at the base of the Cross keeps all your prayers in place. A firm foundation.