The Five-Finger Prayer
1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by
praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for
our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."
2. The next finger is
the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes
teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing
others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is
the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president,
leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our
nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is
our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest
finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for
those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and
night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little
finger; the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves
in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the
greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.
By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be
put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more
effectively.
By Susan Darst Williams • www.GoBigEd.com • Heart Lessons
019 • © 2006