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YOUR HAND IN PRAYER

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those
closest to you. They are the easiest to ones 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 ministers. They need
support and wisdom for 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, leaders in business and industry, and
administrators. These people shape our nation 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. 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.

When you find it hard to get to sleep tonight; Just remember the homeless
family who has no bed to lie in.

When you find yourself stuck in traffic; don't despair. There are people in
this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

When you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work
for the last three months.

When you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has
never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

When you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire
straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for $15.00 to feed
her family.

When your car breaks down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of
the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

When you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient
in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

When you find yourself at a loss, and pondering what is life all about, what
is my purpose, be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to
get the opportunity.

When you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance,
smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be
them.

— Author Unknown

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