Once, a pastor used a metaphor to teach believers, "You can recite the Bible as your spiritual food and see prayer as spiritual breathing."
To show a simple and practical method of prayer for believers, Reverend Tang from East China shared the "five-finger" prayer method.
The five-finger prayer involves assigning five different intercessory subjects to each finger, addressing five different prayer concerns. Tang explained, "The thumb is the closest finger to us, representing the people closest to us."
During prayer, you can first pray for the people closest to you, such as your significant other. In marital life, a couple inevitably faces challenges, but they also support each other. ”We can express gratitude in prayer for our partner's companionship, understanding, patience, and love. We can also pray to God to give them love, mercy, and a thirsty heart to become faithful servants."
"The index finger can be used for pointing and commanding gestures by leaders," Tang stated. "So it refers to those who teach us, such as teachers, pastors, and elders."
"Those who teach us the word of God also need our prayers. The devil often attacks them to scatter God's flock. Therefore, we should offer intercession for their spiritual well-being, health, marriages, families, finances, and relationships to better nurture believers with love and strength."
The middle finger, generally the longest on the hand, represents our leaders, he introduced. Paul instructed his spiritual son Timothy, saying, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority—that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
"Here, leaders can be national leaders and officials, as well as leaders and bosses in companies. Leaders play important roles in the development of society and the world. When they receive God's blessings and grace, the country, city, and society become better and better."
The ring finger, the weakest and least powerful of the five fingers, serves as a reminder from God to pray for the weak. Jesus, during His time on earth, was often with tax collectors, prostitutes, and the poor.
We are also called to emulate Christ by caring for the elderly, children, the sick, and the poor and offering prayers for them, he urged.
"The pinky finger is the smallest." Reverend Tang concluded, "It represents the humble me."
"When praying for ourselves, we should remember that we can stand before Him just because of His love and mercy. At the same time, we should pray for God to grant us truth and the ability to keep our eyes always on Him."
- Translated by Abigail Wu
