Friday’s List To Live By #5

This is the 5th in a 13 week series of short, succinct lists. If you like it, let me know and we may make it a regular Friday feature.

If you missed any of the first 4, click here to catch up.

Today’s list about prayer was written by one of my favorite and prolific authors, anonymous.

FIVE-FINGER PRAYER

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 a “sweet duty.”

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.

3. The next finger is the Tallest Finger.  Our tallest finger reminds us to pray for our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business, and industry. Pray for the Shepherds of the church. They need God’s guidance.

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.

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.

“Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess 5:17-18)

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman