The Hand of Prayer

I often pray with my eyes open and fixed on a single object so as to eliminate possible surrounding distractions. After all, there is no hard, fast rule that we must close our eyes to converse with God. We can pray standing, seated, kneeling or in motion. Most of us practice a particular hand position when we pray.  There is no right or wrong body or hand stance for prayer, is there? Regardless of how you hold your hands in meeting the Lord, try gazing on your hands . He specifically designed human hands for multiple purposes including as instruments to draw you closer to Him.  Hands connect, hold, reach, yield, beg or demonstrate submission or expectation.  Think on your hands as you pray. Years ago I came across the following simple exercise that keeps me mindful of the powerful privilege I have to meet the Lord in prayer.   

1.The thumb – Your thumb is nearest the body so begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.  Your nearest and dearests are easy to remember and probably foremost in your thoughts. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis said, “a sweet duty.”

2.The Index Finger or “Pointer” – Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal.  This includes doctors, teachers and our church leaders. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. 

3.The Long Finger or “Tall Finger” – Remember our leaders in your prayers;  those who stand tall among us. Pray for our President and leaders of our nation and those who lead countries around the world. Pray for state leaders and local government administrators. Pray for leaders in business and industry; those who shape our world, nation and guide public opinion. Pray for public servants, medical professionals, and first responders. Leaders are sorely in need of God’s direction. 

4.The Fourth Finger or “Ring Finger” – Surprisingly, this finger is the weakest on our hand. This finger reminds us to pray for those who are weak, in poor health, in trouble, in pain or in need. Obviously, the weakest need more prayer than any others so extra time spent on the weaker, unhealthy members of our world is time well spent. 

5.The Small Finger or “Pinkie” – We are to place ourselves as small in relation to God and others. We also need to remember it is good to pray for ourselves. Praying first for others then ourselves means  our needs are in proper perspective.

6. The Palm – While somewhat cupped and  concave, the palm reminds us to wait for God to speak to us and fill us. We can anticipate all our prayers to be answered “in His time.”  The palm is what connects all the fingers and enables them to function.   

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”     

   - Phiippians 4:6-7 

Thank You, God, for the gift of prayer. Help me to remember that my hands are Your hands and I am to use them in obedience, love and service in Your name. 

In the sweet name of Your son, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.