ive Finger
Prayer
(This is a meditation-prayer that Pope Francis wrote fifteen years ago when he
was bishop of Buenos Aires)
1.
Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to
you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S.
Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The
next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal.
This includes teachers, doctors, and clergy. Our priest and RE teachers could
certainly use a good word with the big guy. They need support and wisdom in
pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our
leaders. Pray for the president, Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, Congress,
the House of Lords, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These
people shape our nations and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the
fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It
should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They
need your prayers day and night.
5. And
lastly comes our little finger - the smallest finger of all which is where we
should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, 'The
least shall be the greatest among you.' Your pinkie should remind you to pray
for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own
needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for
yourself more effectively.