Five Fingers of Prayer

The fingers on your hands can help you remember who to pray for:

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 a “sweet duty.”
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct, and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, ministers, and our elders. They need 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 secular leaders. Pray for our president and congress, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.
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 explain, 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. Last comes the little finger; the smallest finger of all. This 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. Should you find it hard to get to sleep tonight, just remember the homeless family who has no bed to lie in. -Glenn Hitchcock