1. Your Thumb – Friends
It is closest to you. Begin your day by praying for those closest to you; your family, friends and work colleagues. They are in need of your help and care. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, “A sweet duty”.
2. Your Index or Pointing Finger – Teachers.
Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. Of course, that will again include parents but also, many in public life such as teachers and doctors. They need our support and wisdom to point them in the right direction. Always keep them in your prayers.
3. Your Middle Finger – Leaders
It is usually the longest finger. It reminds us of our Leaders. Pray for the Pope, other Church Leaders, Presidents, Business and Industry CEO’s, and the many who hold positions of high authority. Such people shape our lives and our nations; they guide public opinion and need God’s daily grace and His blessing.
4. Your Ring Finger – The Poor
Surprising to many is the fact, that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify! It reminds us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain – the poor, oppressed, victims of war and conflict… the list goes on and on! They need our prayers, day and night.
5. Your Little Finger or Pinky – Ourselves
It is the smallest finger, which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. Jesus said, “The one who is least among you all, is the one who is great”. Your pinkie should act as a reminder to pray for yourself; the carer must also look after themselves.
Reflection
In contrast to our hands being used to insult and injure others, it’s such a beautiful thought to think of our five fingers as Prayer Beads.
1 = Friends, 2 = Teachers, 3 = Leaders, 4 = The Poor, 5 = Ourselves
I still recall my Mother’s early childhood advice to me about my anger!
“Remember,” she warned, “When you point at someone, your thumb points back at you”. Interestingly, I later discovered that those I pointed at were my closest friends!
