Read: James 5:13–18
Bible in a Year: Job 8–10; Acts 8:26–40
Pray for each other. James 5:16
Prayer is a conversation with God, not a formula. Yet sometimes we
might need to use a “method” to freshen up our prayer time. We can pray
the Psalms or other Scriptures (such as The Lord’s Prayer), or use the
ACTS method (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication). I
recently came across this “Five-Finger Prayer” to use as a guide when
praying for others:
• When you fold your hands, the thumb is nearest you. So begin by
praying for those closest to you—your loved ones (Phil. 1:3–5).
• The index finger is the pointer. Pray for
those who teach—Bible teachers and preachers, and those who teach
children (1 Thess. 5:25).
• The next finger is the tallest. It reminds you to pray for those in
authority over you—national and local leaders, and your supervisor at
work (1 Tim. 2:1–2).
• The fourth finger is usually the weakest. Pray for those who are in trouble or who are suffering (James 5:13–16).
• Then comes your little finger. It reminds you of your smallness in
relation to God’s greatness. Ask Him to supply your needs (Phil. 4:6,
19).
Whatever method you use, just talk with your Father. He wants to hear what’s on your heart.
Father, give me the wisdom to know how to pray for others.
It’s not the words we pray that matter; it’s the condition of our heart.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
No comments:
Post a Comment