Thursday Thoughts

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and
requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for
all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

Recently, an email was sent to me that demonstrated how to use your
fingers to pray. Each finger can be used to bring to mind different
ways to pray for those around you. If you're looking for ideas to
improve your prayer life, give it a try.

Thumb: The strongest digit on your hand. Give thanks for all the
strong things in your life, like home and family, or relationships that
support and sustain you.

Index finger: This is the pointing finger. Pray for those people and
things that guide and help you in your life. Friends, teachers,
doctors, nurses, emergency services and so on.

Middle finger: The tallest finger. Pray for all the important people
who have power in the world, like world leaders and governments, members
of parliament and local councilors, city mayors and aldermen, our
president.

Ring finger: The weakest finger on your hand. It cannot do much by
itself (ask anyone who plays piano). Remember the poor, the weak, the
helpless, the hungry, the sick, the ill and the bereaved.

Little finger: The smallest and the last finger on your hand. Pray for
yourself.

One of the things I like most about this guide to prayer is that it
reminds me to keep others before myself. Too often when I pray, I
immediately present God with my needs, wants and desires, and then lose
my train of thought before I even think to pray for anyone else. Try
using this tool as you drive home from work or go out for a walk.
Prayer is something we can do at all times and this may be just the tool
to make it a part of your life, not just something you do before you go
to bed or face a difficult situation. Prayer is an activity we can't
engage in enough. God hears our prayers and your hand is a good way to
remind yourself to pray for someone else.

[Kelly McFadden posted by Homeword Devotionals www.homeword.com
]