The “Five Finger Prayer” is a simple, yet effective, way to
pray.
We were separated from
God by sin (Romans 3:23). But because Jesus paid for our sin on the cross we
now “have access by one Spirit to the Father,” (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:18).
Those who receive Jesus as their Savior become “children of God” (John 1:12).
So even though God is
“great and mighty in power” (Psalm 147:4), we are His children and He is always
thinking of us, “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is
the sum of them!” If I should count them, they would be more in number than the
sand!” (Psalm 139:17-18)
He is always ready to
bend His ear to hear our prayers and so we’re encouraged to “come boldly to the
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of
need” (Hebrews 4:16).
The Five Finger Prayer
is a simple guide we can use when we pray.
1) Your Thumb is nearest
to 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 “sweet duty.”
While praying for our
loved ones is easy the Bible also tells us to pray for our enemies who, in a
negative way, are also near us.
“Love your enemies,
bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those
who spitefully use you and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) And again, “Don’t
repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you.
Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and
he will bless you for it.” (1 Peter 3:9)
2) The next finger is
the Pointing Finger
The pointing finger
reminds us of those who instruct so 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.
These men and women have great influence on society and we should pray that
they display and teach godly principles in all they do.
3) The next finger is
the Tallest Finger
Our tallest finger
reminds us of those who are in charge. Pray for the president, leaders in
business and industry. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion.
They need God’s guidance.
When the king of
Nineveh prayed to God he saved his nation from destruction (Jonah 3:6-10). We
should pray that our decision makers repent and seek God’s will as they lead
us.
4) The fourth finger is
our Ring Finger
The ring finger 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.
The Bible tells us
that all who believe in Christ are “one body” (1 Corinthians 12:12) and that we
are to “bear one another burdens”. We should “pray for one another,” James 5:16
tells us that, because “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails
much.”
Praying for others is
a way of serving those around us and serving is what gives us purpose to life.
“If you love Me,” Jesus said, “feed My sheep.” Praying for those in need is one
way to feed Christ’s sheep.
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.” 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.
When praying for
ourselves we should first confess our sins because sin breaks fellowship with
God and we don’t want to be out of fellowship with Him. No matter how badly
we’ve sin take heart and know that “He is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Then we should give
thanks for all the blessings we have been given, “Offer to God thanksgiving,
and pray your vows to the Most High” (Psalm 50:14)
And finally 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. The Father loves you very much and will always do what is best for
you. Trust Him and He will lead you and cause all things to work together for
the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28)
I found this on Bible Study Planet.com
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