Simplify Your Life: Through Prayer (First Edition)
We’re here to help you learn and grow, so naturally, we share affiliate links for products that we use and love. When you click on one of these links, we will earn a small amount of money, at no additional cost to you, which we’ll use towards keeping the lights on here! You can read our full disclaimer here.
How do we overcome these instances where we feel like assuming the fetal position? One way is through prayer.
Do you fear that you don’t know the right words to say? That there’s some special jargon that you should know in order to gain access to the almighty Father? Don’t worry, praying can be easy. You just have to initiate the conversation, because that’s what praying is, a conversation. It also provides you a unique, but humbling experience.
It’s like talking to your favorite celebrity, but on an even bigger scale. It’s an opportunity to connect with the same God that created the heavens and the earth; the same God that made Eve from Adam’s rib and sent Jesus to live among us. It’s a conversation with the same God that designed you, down to the unique swirls in your fingerprints. A conversation that He’s been waiting to have!
Over the next few days I’ll be sharing some different and somewhat alternative methods of prayer that aren’t the slightest bit scary and can help guide you in starting that conversation! Today we’re starting out on one of my favorites; one I’ve used over the years and a method of prayer that is easily transferable to children and youth.
Learn the Five Finger Prayer – No materials or fancy vocab needed; it’s all in your hand!
Five Finger Prayer
Representative Five Finger Prayer:
Pray for your family, your friend, your colleagues – the people that are important in your life.Pointer – Those Pointing You in the Right Direction
Pray for your spiritual leaders, such as your pastor, youth group leaders, Sunday School teachers, guidance counselors or therapists.
Middle Finger – Those In High Positions
Pray for your elected officials at all levels including the President.
Ring Finger – Those Who Are Weak
Pray for the poor, the needy, the sick, and the dying.
Pinky – The Least of These: Yourself
Last of all, pray for yourself, the concerns of your heart and mind.
Methods of Prayer Using Five Fingers:
Thumb – Petition (Psalm 5:3)
The petition is when we lift up our concerns and requests before the Lord, for our spiritual and physical needs.
Pointer – Intercession (Colossians 4:12)
Intercessory prayer is when you pray on the behalf of someone else in need.
Middle Finger – Confession (1 John 1:9)
Confession is the acknowledgment of our sins and our repentance. It is also seeking forgiveness for our sins.
Ring Finger – Thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:19-20)
Thanksgiving is the act of expressing your gratefulness for the blessings bestowed upon you.
Pinky – Praise (Psalm 34:1-3)
Praise is the act of worshiping God which allows us to be brought into His presence.
Update: Read Part Two of this Series
Do you have a favorite method of prayer?
I hadn’t heard of the 5 finger prayer before. I like the second method because it includes thanking God for our blessings. I’ve been trying to make sure I take time for thankfulness during my prayers. Looking forward to more of this series!
I originally heard of the five finger prayer through a Bible study that my entire church did together over five years ago (though I can’t seem to remember the name of the book) and it has stuck with me ever since. I like both versions and often times since I have two hands I use both! 😉
A great reminder! I needed that today!
Lauren, I’m glad that you were inspired by this post. Be sure to keep checking back for more of the series! Be Blessed!