5-FINGER PRAYER

1.    When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by praying for those closest to you—your loved ones Philippians 1:3--5  I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, ⁴ always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, ⁵ for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,

2.    The index finger is the pointer. Pray for those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach children 2 Thessalonians 3:1--2  Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, ² and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

3.    The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at work 1 Timothy 2:1--2  Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

4.    The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering James 5:13--16  Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

5.    Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in relation to God's greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs Philippians 4:6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Philippians 4:19  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>  

We use the 5 finger method of teaching because of its simplicity and convenience. We refer to the 5 steps to salvation (hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized), the 5 acts of worship (singing, praying, communion, preaching, giving). The church of Christ is not alone in using the 5 fingers in teaching. This method above is a good way to teach not only our children but also adults to pray for all those for which we should be praying. Of course, we are to pray for all, (I Tim 2:1), even our enemies. (Mat 5:44). Our problem sometimes is not praying enough. 1 Thessalonians 5:16--18 Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

May we always be praying for all those for whom it is our duty to pray, whether we use the 5 finger method or some others method.

With love and concern,

Larry