PRAYER
Teach us to pray...
This was a request which the first disciples put to Jesus. He responded by teaching them a special prayer, which we now call the Lord's Prayer. It can be seen both as a form of prayer which we can learn and repeat daily, and as a general structure for all our prayer - incorporating praise and adoration of God, confession of our sins, thanksgiving for all God is and does, and intercession for the needs of others and ourselves.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours .
now and for ever.
Amen.
The 5-finger prayer:
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, nurses and ministers. 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 government, 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. You cannot pray too much for them.
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. Your little finger 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.