Prayer Guide for Missional Living

Use your fingers to remind you of ways to pray without ceasing.

Pray continually…with perseverance, with patience, with persistence.

Prayer remains critical in our faith journey. Many needs come to our attention as we seek to incorporate prayer into this sometimes meandering path.

Sometimes, though, we are at a loss for words! Instead of becoming overwhelmed and praying the catch-all blanket “Lord Jesus, watch over me and all who are in need”, let your fingers do the reminding!

The Prayer Guide

Open your hand and begin…

Thumb. With elbows bent, your thumb points back to you. May it remind you to pray for your family and friends. Pray for specific needs and healing. Give praise for restorations both physical and relational.

Pointer Finger. Your index finger reminds you to pray for teachers, pastors, and missionaries. As they “point others in the direction of truth and right living”, ask the Lord to grant wisdom and discernment.

Third Finger. Your tallest finger prompts you to lift in prayer those who are in positions of authority. Pray for the president and government leaders, as well as the leaders in your schools, community, and workplace.

Fourth Finger. As the weakest finger, this one calls your attention to those who are overlooked and under-resourced. Pray for those who lack resources (including employment, education, water, food, shelter) in your own community and beyond.

Little Finger. Let your little finger prompt prayer for yourself. With humility, present your needs and hurts and desires to the Lord. The scriptures record the pleadings and lamenting of men and women who are giants in the faith. We too can come with voice and heart to the Throne of grace.

This simple method turns your hand into a valuable prayer tool. Whether sitting at a traffic light, waiting for an appointment, or on a walk with your dog, may it help to remind you to pray for those around you. The greatest gift we can give is to take up one another’s burdens and pray persistently for them at the foot of the Cross.

Your Turn

Many versions of this prayer guide exist. I’ve adapted it over the years to pray as the Lord prompts me. Please pass it along and adapt it to pray for those around you. Let me know how this little tool helps to encourage your prayer life!