As I read more about how prayer impacts our lives, I was led
to delve deeper into the subject of prayer and how it can align my thoughts on
Him throughout the day.
While most of my research has focused on biblical prayer
instruction, this morning I came across a reminder for a method for prayer that
I learned many moons ago and had since forgotten. Amazing how a reply to a post
on a Facebook message brings back so many good memories of vacation Bible
school at Patterson Park Brethren Church. Some of the best church experiences
of my life, I might add.
Anyway, here's the simple guide to prayer that a lot of us
learned in VBS and/or Sunday school in our formative years.
The 5-finger prayer:
1. Thumb - Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship and Seeking the LORD;
2. Index Finger - Pray for Revival around the world;
3. Middle Finger - Pray for Church and Government Leaders;
4. Ring Finger - Pray for Family and Friends;
5. Pinkie Finger - Pray for your own needs.
1. Thumb - Praise, Thanksgiving, Worship and Seeking the LORD;
2. Index Finger - Pray for Revival around the world;
3. Middle Finger - Pray for Church and Government Leaders;
4. Ring Finger - Pray for Family and Friends;
5. Pinkie Finger - Pray for your own needs.
As I reread the five-finger prayer guidelines, I thought it
was interesting to note that praying for oneself comes last, requiring humility
on our part. In fact, James mentioned this very thing in his epistle – James 4:10 (NKJV) Humble yourselves in
the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
I believe that it all comes down to this – pray as Paul
recommended in Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do
not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Praying that this method is a help for you in your prayer
life as I know it will be in mine.
My prayer for you today –
May
Jesus, the author and perfecter or our faith, guide and direct you today and
every single day of your life from this day forward. Amen.
Luke 9:23-26 (NIV)
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their
cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose
it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone
to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?
26 Whoever is ashamed of
me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his
glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
No comments:
Post a Comment