A new season has begun!  Spring is here; nature is awakening and putting on the beautiful dresses of new brilliant leaves and exquisite spring flowers.  The air is warming and so is the heart:  a warm heart if filled with new hope and a renewed enjoyment of life.  New beginnings often bring new insights and ideas that could be very useful.  One of those may be a new approach to our prayer life, a unique way of thinking of our God-given hand as a model in prayer for others and ourselves:

The five finger prayer is a great way to teach someone to pray, or a good model for anyone to use to pray.  Remember, James 5:13-16 teaches us to pray for one another.

First, your thumb is nearest to you.  Begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.

Second, the next finger is the pointing finger.  Pray for those who teach, instruct and offer comfort.  This can include teachers, doctors, and ministers.  They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.

Third comes the tallest finger.  It reminds us of our leaders.  Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators.  These people shape our nation and guide the public in many ways.  They need God’s guidance.

Fourth comes your ring finger.  We could pray for marriages and families.  We could also pray for those who are weak, because our ring finger is the weakest of the five,  You cannot pray too much for those who are weak, in trouble or pain.

Fifth comes our little finger.  It is the smallest of the five.  I should remind us of our place in relation to God and others.  God’s word teaches us that, “the least shall be the greatest among you” Matthew 23:11.  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.

Are you praying? – Lance Morrisett, Hooker church of Christ, Hooker, OK