The Five Fingers of Prayer

Someone shared this in children's church years ago, but it's good for grown-ups too.

1. Your thumb is nearest to 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."

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 i
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," The last shall be first.
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.