04 July, 2007

"...One Nation, Under God..."

Some time ago I heard this prayer explained to the smallest members of our congregation during a children's sermon. I was reminded of it again this morning when I received this in an e-mail, it's worth repeating... and remembering;
the Five Finger Prayer.

Take a look at your hand, what do you see?

1. Your thumb is nearest 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. 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.

3. The next finger is 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
public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this 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.

On this, American Independence Day, pay special attention to #3;
keep in mind the principles upon which this country was founded,
pray that we never lose sight of those.
...One nation, under God...

Life is Good!

8 comments:

Shelina said...

Happy Independence Day Mrs. G. Thanks for a thoughtful post.

dot said...

Happy 4th. Great prayer idea.

Angie said...

In all of my 51 years, and being brought up in church, I don't think I've come across the '5 Finger Prayers'. Make great sense to me--thanks so much for sharing it!! :) Happy 4th of July--Dewey and Badger wanted me to tell Hannes that they will be cringing from the fireworks, and hope he isn't as scared by them as they are. :D

Libby said...

A very nice prayer.

Jim V said...

Love it! Went through it with Rebecca as soon as I saw it. She was totally into it. And even at 35, this is not a bad prayer for me. It's a reminder that there are people out there in need of prayer, and that it's good to be specific. "I pray for everyone who needs help" is okay, but this prayer really focuses our thoughts in on who we are praying for and why.

I do believe I'll use it myself. I've printed it out.

Thanks so much!

Teodo said...

Happy Independence Day to you and to all.
ciao ciao

Michele Bilyeu said...

Thank you for the wonderful reminder of the need for and power of prayer in all of our lives...especially when there are such simple reminders 'handy' and nearby! During this time of celebrating it is so good to remember all our gratitudes by extending them to others. And as for the ring finger, keep in mind the reason the custom was started for wearing wedding rings on that finger was that it was supposed to have the closest connection to the heart. So, perhaps, the 'weakest' or those in most need of prayer are exactly those we should hold closest..hands in action with hearts that care!

Tanya said...

Thank you. That is the first time I've heard that prayer and I want to remember it and pass it on. Wonderful!