A helping hand with prayer!

We’d heard about the five-finger prayer, but had never actually seen it spelled out until recently when my Mom shared it with us through a forwarded email.

Many people use this method to teach children how to pray, but it’s just as "handy" for adults too.

So without further adieu, here it is …

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, preachers, physicians and counselors. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. So please keep them in your prayers!

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us to pray for our leaders. Pray for the president and all the leaders in our government, business industries and, of course, the church. Our government and business leaders are shape our nation and guide public opinion. And our church leaders shepherd the flock of the Lord. Each of these leaders needs 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 trials or in pain. They need our prayers day and night. We cannot pray too much for them!

5. And last is 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’ve 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.

May the five-finger prayer inspire us today and always to pray without ceasing for all those we know, love and who influence our lives.

God be with you and bless you!