Optimist’s Roundtable
By Martha Sykes
At the church camp I volunteered at for many years, I taught our campers this “5 Finger Prayer” that I am going to share with you this week. Some people say they have a hard time praying so this method is good for following a way to pray as well as who to pray for.
Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “Come boldly to the throne of grace.” We can pray any time and anywhere; God is always listening!!
As you put your hands together in prayer, the thumb is nearest to you, so pray for those who are closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones, as C.S. Lewis once said is “sweet duty.”
The next finger is the pointer finger. It reminds us to pray for those who instruct, so pray for those who teach and heal like doctors, teachers and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.
Keep them in your prayers.
The next finger is the tallest, which reminds us of those who are in charge. Pray for the President and other leaders. These people shape our nation and our world and they need God’s guidance. Pray that our decision makers repent, and seek God’s will.
Our fourth finger is the ring finger, our weakest finger, if you ask a piano teacher. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble, or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. It tells us in the scriptures to bear one another’s burdens. Praying is a way of serving and serving gives us purpose.
Lastly, comes our little finger and our smallest finger, of course. This is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. Ask the Bible says, “The least shall be the greatest among you.” Your pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. As we pray, we are to confess our sins and give thanks to God.
This is where we lay out what is on our heart, the good and the bad, and we pray that God’s will be done in our life. Our Father loves us very much and He will always do what is best for us.
As you pray, trust in Him and He will lead you cause all things to work together for the good of those who love Him.
