The Five Finger Prayer
Your Thumb is Nearest You
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.’
The Second Finger
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.
The Third Finger
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.
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.
And Lastly Comes Our Little Finger
Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.
Just as each finger is a part of the hand, so too are you a part of God and
good. 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. You won’t be telling God how big your storm is
–you will be telling yourself and God how big God is!