The Parishioner – June 2008

From the Pastor . . .

Seven Circles and Five Fingers 

Prayer should be an important part of our daily life.  If it isn’t, it’s time to address that problem.  Here are two ways to keep prayer in front of our eyes and at the top of our mind. 

Five Finger Prayer - (usually I use this for children, but adults also find it helpful.) 

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, 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