Five Finger Prayer

This is a fun idea for teaching your children a simple and quick way to pray.  It's easy enough that you can pray it in the car on the way to work or school and it's a helpful way to transition children into praying on their own.  Here is how it works, courtesy of Haley at  http://abadabing.wordpress.com/.

You start at your thumbs and work back to your pinkies.

Thumb: Those Closest to You

Your thumb is the nearest to you, so it represents those closest to you. For me, this is my family and closest friends.

Pointer finger: Those in Authority

Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. These could be teachers, nurses, doctors and ministers.

Middle finger: Our Leaders

The next finger, the middle finger, is the tallest finger and represents our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. The people who shape our nation and guide public opinion.

Can you imagine how much more peaceful elections would be if we complained less and just prayed more? This is something I am personally working on.

Ring finger: Those Who Are Weak

The ring finger is the weakest finger, and can remind us to pray for those who are dealing with illness, those who are weak, in trouble or in pain.

Pinky finger: Me

And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. Your pinky 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.

So…how do you pray?